"excuse me, are you a Bodhisattva?"
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anyone out there aspiring to cultivate the bodhisattva way?
wisdom and compassion, how many times have you managed to apply them both together successfully?
is bodhisattvahood for the norm or the "special breed" of human beings?
what is a bodhisattva? -
i am not that ambitious. I just want to live happily.
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thus i have heard, that a bodhisattva can be anyone walking down a street like you and me.
or on some occasion, a bodhisattva can be an ant anywhere beside you because the bodhisattva can choose to be an ant at his/her own free will.
if we respect the bodhisattva we see in monastery or in any images or thoughts, should we also give the same respect to other beings around too? -
hehee..... being a bodhisattva is not an ambitious thing at all.Originally posted by mistyblue:i am not that ambitious. I just want to live happily.
if so then how about those who seek enlightenment to become buddhas? -
i see modesty in one, perhaps two or more....
we seek enlightenment, bliss, wisdom, buddhahood.
we all would like to become buddhas.
we can admit that easily.
but when it comes to bodhisattvahood,........
sigh......
besides knowing more about buddhas, i need to know more about bodhisattvas too..... -
Beings are infinite in number, I vow to save them all;
The obstructive passions are endless in number, I vow to end them all;
The teachings for saving others are countless, I vow to learn them all;
Buddha-hood is the supreme achievement, I vow to attain it. -
Merry Meet Paperflower,
So you aspire to go through cultivation for bodhisattvahood? Even if there will be tribulations for you to go through? Cultivation through the lotus of your heart & compassion? Its an open refuge to all with no biase & requirements if you possess a true & sincere heart.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
i'll just let it flow.... when it needs to flow through.
[b]Merry Meet Paperflower,
So you aspire to go through cultivation for bodhisattvahood? Even if there will be tribulations for you to go through? Cultivation through the lotus of your heart & compassion? Its an open refuge to all with no biase & requirements if you possess a true & sincere heart.
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b] -
Once having gained the free, well favored human birth,
So hard to come by and so powerful,
Persevering steadily, night and day, to free yourself
And others from the ocean of samsara—
To listen, reflect, and meditate
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Merry Meet Paperflower,Originally posted by paperflower:i'll just let it flow.... when it needs to flow through.
I see your flow is not smooth perhaps there are blockages uncleared for years. How to flow smoothly if you don't let go...
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Toward friends—passion like turbulent water;
Toward enemies—hatred like raging fire;
Obscured by ignorance—forgetting what should
and should not be done—
To leave behind one's homeland
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
there are many things for me to look after for time being.
[b]Merry Meet Paperflower,
I see your flow is not smooth perhaps there are blockages uncleared for years. How to flow smoothly if you don't let go...
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b]
while it is hard to let go now, my heart is always ready to be home when the time comes. -
When bad circumstances are left behind,
The obscuring emotions and beliefs gradually subside.
Without distractions,
Persistence toward virtue increases naturally.
As awareness clears, certainty in dharma arises—
To spend time in solitude
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Merry Meet Paperflower,Originally posted by paperflower:there are many things for me to look after for time being.
while it is hard to let go now, my heart is always ready to be home when the time comes.
I am sure the day will come when your heart is ready to go home where its should be in your beginning. May the blessings of Triple Gem be with you!
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
At death, the visiting consciousness leaves behind the body
Like a guest leaving a guest-house—
Leaving behind loved ones to whom one has long been close.
Leaving behind wealth gained through effort.
Thus, to give up this life's concerns
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
life is a journey of learning with all beings equally.
[b]Merry Meet Paperflower,
I am sure the day will come when your heart is ready to go home where its should be in your beginning. May the blessings of Triple Gem be with you!
Blessed Be,
Oceanos[/b]
may you be blessed and well too. -
People you are with who increase the three poisons,
Who weaken the practices of listening, reflecting, meditating,
Who undermine loving-kindness and compassion—
To give up bad friends
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Those you depend on who put an end to vices,
Who make good qualities increase like the waxing moon—
Holding these spiritual friends even more dear
Than your own body—
This is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Who can the gods of this world assist
When they are themselves trapped in samsara's prison?
Thus, when you seek help, taking the genuine refuge
Of the Three Jewels
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
The Buddha said, "The result of negative actions
Is the suffering of the lower realms so difficult to bear."
Therefore, not committing evil acts
Even at the cost of your life
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
The happiness of the three worlds is like dew
On a blade of grass, vanishing in an instant.
Striving for the supreme state—
Liberation which never changes—
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
What's the point of personal happiness
When every mother so affectionate to you
From beginningless time
Is suffering? Thus, in order to liberate
Infinite numbers of sentient beings,
Generating bodhicitta
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Without exception,
All suffering comes from wanting happiness for yourself;
Perfect buddhas are born from wishing to benefit others.
Thus, truly exchanging your own happiness
For the suffering of others
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Even if someone from great want, steals all your wealth
Or has someone else steal it, dedicating to the thief
Your body, your enjoyments, and your merit—
Past, present and future—
Is the practice of a bodhisattva. -
Even if someone cuts your head off
For having done nothing wrong,
To take on that person's negatives
Through the power of compassion
Is the practice of a bodhisattva.