The Dalai Lama's Little Book of Mysticism

There are two types of compassion. One type is just a wish that sentient beings be free from suffering. The other is more powerful: I shall take the responsibility for freeing sentient beings from suffering. Compassion and renunciation differ only in their object and objective. Renunciation is focused upon yourself; it is your wish that you be liberated from suffering. Compassion is directed toward other sentient beings; it is your wish that all beings be liberated from suffering.