Buddhist Practice: Day 12 - Bodhisattva Path (Special Episode & Series)

Day 12:  The Bodhisattva Path

"A bodhisattva is a great practitioner who is walking on the path toward Buddhahood by benefiting all sentient beings as well as themselves." ~ Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Before the Buddha was “the Buddha”, he was a “Bodhisattva” in prior existences. As a Bodhisattva, he was able to save lives and help others. So, it is no wonder that Mahayana Buddhism fell in love with the Bodhisattva Path for laypersons. This is a practice where anyone can practice in their daily lives as an “unenlightened Bodhisattva” towards awakening.

During this time, couldn’t we all use a few more everyday Bodhisattvas in our world? A Bodhisattva has a strong desire (“Bodhicitta”) to help liberate all sentient beings from suffering. By practicing the Bodhisattva Path during this pandemic, you can surely help others.

Focus

“Suffering” means different things to different people during different circumstances! For some, dropping off some groceries may be an immense help. For others, simply listening to their fears and anxiety will bring tremendous relief. 

Open your heart and mind to the suffering of others and see how you can help. 

Bodhisattvas in Buddhist cosmology often have different “skills”. For instance, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has a thousand arms to help people in many ways. Whereas another can speak to people in a way that they understand. Whether you know it or not you have a skill that can help others.

Practice

Continue to recite the Five Remembrances. 

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on the “Mind of a Bodhisattva” as described below: 

New Practice: To help prepare you mentally, sow seeds of a Bodhisattva by building these three elements/qualities (do not worry, the effort towards these goals is important also):  1) Aspiration for Awakening: The mind seeking to attain Buddhahood. 2) Great Compassion: Qualify of mind that wishes to liberate sentient beings. 3) Skillful Means: Applies the four means of embracing (giving, kind words, altruism, and empathy) so that sentient beings can be happy.

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