Over the next few weeks the topic for reflection will be the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows. This week I would like to discuss the title and its’ meaning, but first lets start with my version of the vows.
Beings are everywhere,
may we be free.
Delusions are held tight,
may we see through them.
Dharma gates are numberless,
may we enter them all.
The Buddha way is boundless compassion,
may we realize and actualize this together.
As Zen Buddhists on the path, these vows express the fundamental direction, motivation, method and purpose of our life. They are called great because they are actually without limit. For example the first vow, “Beings are everywhere, may we be free.” includes all beings, everywhere, always and not partially free, sometimes.
Most important these are “Bodhisattva” vows that we are making or that we have. We need to be the Bodhisattva. A Bodhisattva lives for the liberation and enlightenment of all beings everywhere. Ones own liberation and enlightenment is sought only to facilitate the liberation and enlightenment of others. This is not about I, me or mine. A Bodhisattva is a being that helps us awaken. A Bodhisattva could be a human being, a compassionate animal (perhaps a pet?), a spirit or anything. A Bodhisattva could be a homeless person begging for change, a bird’s song and something painful or joyful. Anything that helps in awakening to suffering and from suffering. Awakening to and from delusion. The most fundamental delusion is that I, me and mine has a separate identity. To orient toward all beings is simply orienting toward truth not delusion. Facing in the right direction makes this much easier and there is actually a lot of help available. In truth we are not doing this alone. This is not about self sacrifice or exclusion. It’s about inclusion and being fully alive.
The last word in the title is Vows. This vow is something we return to with intention and determination. In most versions of the Four Great Vows the phrase I vow is used. I prefer the phrase may we. I vow is good because it is a clear and firm intention and determination and also that it is taken personally. What I also hear and don’t like is an implication of control and an arrogant position over others. Changing this to may we feels like we are in this together and there is an openness to natural unfolding. It’s returning to who and how we actually are in truth without the veil of delusion.
Have you experienced Bodhisattvas in your life? It could have been painful or not. The important thing is the awakening. When have you been a Bodhisattva? What is the one thing necessary to make these vows possible and realistic? This might sound like a heavy topic but it can be serious and light hearted. Bodhisattvas are open to others and share themselves with others. Please share something with us as a comment on this blog. Sharing is so helpful.
Please join us on Zoom for morning zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person Zen meditation in Eugene Saturday morning at the McNail-Riley house from 8:30 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
This article is from today's L.A. Times. The Bodhisattva Vow?
We’re pursuing happiness wrong. There’s a simple fix
AMERICANS tend to believe happiness is achieved through individual gratification. It isn’t. (Jason Armond Los Angeles Times)
By Stephanie Harrison
W hen Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that our unalienable rights include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, he had a very specific definition of happiness in mind. He believed that happiness was the result of living virtuously — that becoming a fully happy human required devoting yourself to service to your fellow beings.
His words galvanized generations of Americans to seek out their own personal well-being. Yet the happiness we pursue today is a far cry from…
Morning sun gives rise
Enlightening this new day
Bird calls out to us
Futai
Brown Thrasher
Splashing in the dust
Sharing all songs together
Singing free and clear
—-----------------------------------
Kent
Link to Brown Thrasher singing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=KQA7D9TuXMk