Transgressive compassion: The role of fear, horror and the threat of death in ultimate transformatio

A cross-cultural study of a never-before translated 14$rmsp{th}$ century Tibetan Bon Severance (gcod) text and the theoretical work of 20$rmsp{th}$ century French theorist Georges Bataille is undertaken. Juxtaposing these two radically different materials is justified by themes related to sacrifice identified and highlighted in both works as well as by Bataille's expressed interest in inner experience, shamanism and Tibetan spirituality. Through exploring the role played by fear, horror and the threat of death in effecting human transformation in these two materials, a complex understanding of compassion that accommodates self-conscious transgression is put forth. A critical edition (in dbu chen) and translation of the Precious Garland of Severance Instructions (gcod gdams rin chen phreng ba) are included.