37 Bodhisattva Practices:
1
Right now, you have a good boat, fully equipped and available --
hard to find.
To free others and you from the sea of samsara,
Day and night, fully alert and present,
Study, reflect, and meditate -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
2
Attraction to those close to you catches you in its currents;
Aversion to those who oppose you burns inside;
Indifference that ignores what needs to be done is a black
hole.
Leave your homeland -- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
3
Don't engage disturbances and reactive emotions gradually fade
away;
Don't engage distractions and spiritual practice naturally
grows;
Keep awareness clear and vivid and confidence in the way
arises.
Rely on silence -- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
4
You will separate from long-time friends and relatives;
You will leave behind the wealth you worked to build up;
The guest, your consciousness, will move from the inn, your
body.
Forget the conventional concerns -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
5
With some friends, the three poisons keep growing,
Study, reflection, and meditation weaken,
And loving kindness and compassion fall away.
Give up bad friends -- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
6
With some teachers, your shortcomings fade away and
Abilities grow like the waxing moon.
Hold such teachers dear to you,
Dearer than your own body -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
7
Locked up in the prison of their own patterning
Whom can ordinary gods protect?
Who can you count on for refuge?
Go for refuge in the Three Jewels -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
8
The suffering in the lower realms is really hard to endure.
The Sage says it is the result of destructive actions.
For that reason, even if your life is at risk,
Don't engage in destructive actions -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
9
The happiness of the three worlds disappears in a moment,
Like a dewdrop on a blade of grass.
The highest level of freedom is one that never changes.
Aim for this -- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
10
For time without beginning, mothers have lovingly cared for
you.
If they are still suffering, how can you be happy?
To free limitless sentient beings,
Give rise to awakening mind -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
11
All suffering comes from wanting your own happiness.
Complete awakening arises from the intention to help others.
So, exchange completely your happiness
For the suffering of others -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
12
Even if someone, driven by desperate want,
Steals, or makes someone else steal, everything you own,
Dedicate to him your body, your wealth, and
All the good you've ever done or will do -- this is the practice of
a bodhisattva.
13
Even if you have done nothing wrong at all
And someone still tries to take your head off,
Spurred by compassion,
Take all his or her evil into you -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
14
Even if someone broadcasts to the whole universe
Slanderous and ugly rumors about you,
In return, with an open and caring heart,
Praise his or her abilities -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
15
Even if someone humiliates you and denounces you
In front of a crowd of people,
Think of this person as your teacher
And humbly honor him -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
16
Even if a person you have cared for as your own child
Treats you as his or her worst enemy,
Lavish him or her with loving attention
Like a mother caring for her ill child -- this is the practice of a
bodhisattva.
17
Even if your peers or subordinates,
Put you down to make themselves look better,
Treat them respectfully as you would your teacher:
Put them above you -- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
