Self-sacrifice is the basis of Buddhism: the Bodhisattva ideal.
The bodhisattva ideal is embodied in the bodhisattva vow:
May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
This practically means that one vows not just to attain enlightenment or Nirvana (ambitious enough of itself), but to postpone enjoying that enlightenment fully until all other beings too haver reached liberation.
This lens explores how the Bodhisattva ideal is rooted in the life of Buddha, but is ultimately a central feature of Mahayana Buddhism. The stages of the path of the Bodhisattva are listed as well as the ideals (paramitas) a Bodhisattva tries to live up to.
The main message...
I do agree that ALL humans deserve kindness and I suppose that is the simple truth this lens is trying to put across.
Researcher (a reader of this lens)
More on Bodhisattvas: links
Mahayana Buddhist religious views
1. I vow to save innumerable sentient beings.
2. I vow to eliminate endless afflictions / delusions.
3. I vow to learn innumerable doctrines.
4. I vow to accomplish the unsurpassed Buddha Way.
- Versions of the Bodhisattva vow
- Short explanation of the Bodhisattva vow and versions of this vow from various Mahayana traditions.
- The paramitas: virtues of perfection
- A discussion of the six virtues that the Bodhisattva vows to try and live. Some lists have 10 paramitas or virtues.
- 10 Bhumi's, paramita's or stages
- A short list of 10 stages of Bodhisattva development. There is overlap with the six paramitas.
The lives of Buddha: the ultimate Bodhisattva
Before Gautama was Enlightened, he was Bodhisattva
There are also many stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. In these lives he is said to have worked towards becoming a Buddha. The Jataka tales (tales of those previous lives) show him sacrificing his life, his health, his possessions and ultimately even his wife and kids for the wellfare of others. This sacrificial attitude shows why he was capable of becoming a Buddha - while most of us aren't (in this lifetime). And because he was on his way to becoming a Buddha, he is called 'the bodhisattva' in those lives as well.
Being Upright
Zen Meditation and the Bodhisattva Precepts
Being Upright: Zen Meditation and the Bodhisattva Precepts
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/10/2009)
This book explains the place of ideals of kindness and giving in the path towards realizing Buddha Nature in oneself. Within this context the 16 great Bodhisattva Precepts make sense. They enrich our understanding of what Buddha-ness is all about.
The explanations by Anderson come close to home and really make these teachings come alive.
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The Arhat ideal - selflessness in Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism does not expect us to become Buddhas, but Arhats
Everybody else is expected to become enlightened without being able to become a world teacher. This ideal is the 'arhat' ideal. Theravada Buddhists will ask: fighting for one's own enlightenment is hard enough, why presume to be able to save the rest of conscious existence as well?
Books on Bodhisattvas and the Buddhist path
Mahayana Buddhist religious views
Bodhisattva Mind: Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering
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Amazon Price: $44.07 (as of 07/10/2009)
A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
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Amazon Price: $11.86 (as of 07/10/2009)
Meaningful to Behold: The Bodhisattva's Way of Life
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Amazon Price: $17.21 (as of 07/10/2009)
Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: A Buddhist Poem for Today
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Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 07/10/2009)
The essence of Mahayana Buddhism: the Bodhisattva ideal
You CAN become a Buddha, you CAN help save humanity
In Mahayana Buddhism the central ideal is the Bodhisattva ideal. People entering Zen Buddhism as a serious spiritual path will be taught to pray the Bodhisattva Vow. It is thought to be selfish to just want to save your self - and ignore all other beings. Instead one vows not just to reach enlightenment, but to get the knowledge necessary to save others as well.
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In Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism - though it's not known to many Westerners - the Bodhisattva ideal is paramount. It's the very foundation of everything else.-
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So, what do you think about the Bodhisattva Vow? or this page?
ArtisticMind wrote...
WOW! Great and informative lens, thanks for bringing to the world!
Posted April 16, 2009
JJ wrote
This is my version of the Bodhisattva vow, I say it as I'm falling asleep and it's in my mind a lot when I wake up it is "I vow to forgo my own enlightenment until I have single handedly saved all sentient beings from suffering; May all beings be free from suffering and the cause of suffering, may they enjoy happiness and the cause of happiness and may they wake up to complete and thorough Buddhahood!"
Posted December 22, 2008
OhMe wrote...
I don't know much about Buddhism and am enjoying reading about it. Great lens.
Posted December 22, 2008
AndyPo wrote...
Another excellent lens. I find Buddhism fascinating. I really must read more about it.
Posted November 14, 2008
DaveAllen wrote...
in reply to researcher Extending love and kindness is happiness. Sure this benefits others, but it benefits us even more. The Dalai Lama has said something along these lines. I feel this is the reality. When you extend lovingkindness this includes you too. You do what you can to minimize suffering in the world. Use wisdom and insight. This is a long term approach. If you have to accept a little pain or discomfort now for overall decrease in suffering that is what you do. This also includes you.
Also, many surveys and more recent neuroscience studies suggest that those who practice altruism and meditation on compassion are happier. One of the happiest men tested so far - had such extraordinary EKG readings that he's considered an outlier-- has had more than a decade of compassion meditation. I've been doing some research too.
Look into the studies of Richard Davidson and the Mind Life meetings for more.
DaveAllen
Posted November 13, 2008
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