The Bodhisattva and Cherishing Others

 

In this episode we look at the Bodhisattva wish to become an awakened person for the benefit of all beings. Does this wish to help all beings resonate with us; could this be our own journey? While we pose these profound questions to ourselves, we take a practical step in that direction and make the intention to cherish others. With the mantra “May you be happy”, we try to care for, help and cherish others as much as possible. We can think that every time we cherish another person it is like a rep, building the muscle of love and compassion that can transform us first into a deeply happy person and ultimately into a Buddha.

 

“Who will master this world

And the realms of Yama and the gods?

Who will select a well-taught Dharma teaching,

As a skilled person selects a flower?

 

One in training will master this world

And the realms of Yama and the gods?

One in training will select

A well-taught Dharma teaching,

As a skilled person selects a flower.”

 

References:

The Dhammapada, by Buddha. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 12.

 

Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Acharya Shantideva. Translated into English by Stephen Batchelor. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Dharmasala. April, 1979. Pages 22-23.

https://www.tibethouse.jp/about/buddhism/text/pdfs/Bodhisattvas_way_English.pdf

 

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1. Pages 281-282. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

 

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 3. Pages 35-37.. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.