One of the wonderful things about Buddhism is its complexity. How so many things are never stated outright but work without being noticed.
In the Lam Rim, one practices Renunciation before Altruism. One of the reasons for this is to first accept that you can't fix the universe. It is inherently suffering; something to be escaped, not repaired.
Then when you practice Altruism you do so without expectation of results. Love and Compassion with detachment.
How do I reconcile compassion and immense need?
Re: How do I reconcile compassion and immense need?
Equanimity is the ground. Love is the moisture. Compassion is the seed. Bodhicitta is the result.
-Paraphrase of Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel citing the Guhyasamaja Tantra
"All memories and thoughts are the union of emptiness and knowing, the Mind.
Without attachment, self-liberating, like a snake in a knot.
Through the qualities of meditating in that way,
Mental obscurations are purified and the dharmakaya is attained."
-Ra Lotsawa, All-pervading Melodious Drumbeats
-Paraphrase of Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel citing the Guhyasamaja Tantra
"All memories and thoughts are the union of emptiness and knowing, the Mind.
Without attachment, self-liberating, like a snake in a knot.
Through the qualities of meditating in that way,
Mental obscurations are purified and the dharmakaya is attained."
-Ra Lotsawa, All-pervading Melodious Drumbeats
Re: How do I reconcile compassion and immense need?
How about hit and run compassion? A beginner can go to a town where he is unknown, try to do some good and get out before people become dependent on him.
Sergeant Schultz knew everything there was to know.