paperflower SG 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?
paperflower SG 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?
paperflower SG hehee..... being a bodhisattva is not an ambitious thing at all. if so then how about those who seek enlightenment to become buddhas?
paperflower SG 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.....
paperflower SG 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.
OCEANOS SG 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
paperflower SG Originally posted by OCEANOS: [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]i'll just let it flow.... when it needs to flow through.
paperflower SG 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.
OCEANOS SG 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
paperflower SG Toward friendspassion like turbulent water; Toward enemieshatred like raging fire; Obscured by ignoranceforgetting what should and should not be done To leave behind one's homeland Is the practice of a bodhisattva.
paperflower SG Originally posted by OCEANOS: [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]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.
paperflower SG 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.
OCEANOS SG 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
paperflower SG 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.
paperflower SG Originally posted by OCEANOS: [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]life is a journey of learning with all beings equally. may you be blessed and well too.
paperflower SG 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.
paperflower SG 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.
paperflower SG 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.
paperflower SG 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.
