If we are followers of the Mahayana and are seeking to enter into Mahayana paths, it is essential to train in renunciation first. Renunciation is a cause of great compassion, which in turn is a cause of bodhichitta. If we are not acutely aware of the suffering nature of our own aggregates, how can we understand the suffering of others and wish to rescue them from samsara? The only difference between training in renunciation and training in compassion is that with the former we focus on our own suffering and with the latter we focus on the suffering of others.