Question: “How can someone remain consistently compassionate? Even towards the tyrants/dictators who cause immense suffering on a large scale?”
Because even tyrants and dictators are suffering. Almost every person has experienced deep anger and hatred in their life. For most of us, the anger is mostly gone within a few hours or days. For some, that anger is deeply rooted and can last much longer. And because of this strongly rooted anger, they become angry and hateful people that cause so much chaos and suffering because of their own suffering and the inability to accept and release it.
So as compassionate and understanding beings and future Buddhas, we must empathize and show compassion toward all sentient beings, regardless of who or what they are. They are angry, frustrated, and feel like the world is against them, so they destroy every loving thing in their path. No one dares to be compassionate and kind out of fear, but with compassion and kindness they will soon be able to see the light. It won’t be sudden or immediate, but with time they may realize that there are beings who care and that love and acceptance is possible.
Treat people as you want to be treated. A lot of people are scared or embarrassed to do acts of kindness, but when it’s done, others see and feel the happiness out of those acts and will want to follow. Think of it like a viral video or a viral challenge. It all started with one person and soon hundreds of thousands of people imitate the act. We can do the same by treating those who are ignorant and angry with compassion and kindness, and they will soon see the world with a different perspective.
Smile and be well!