In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an
enlightenment-being or,"heroic-minded one for enlightenment"
Another term is "wisdom-being." It is anyone who, motivated by
great compassion, has generated bodhicitta, which is a
spontaneous wish to attain buddhahood for the benefit of all
sentient beings.
"Bosatsu" in Japanese
Yeah, I've spent the last 18 months whole heartedly studying and practicing this Buddhism stuff.
One thing that happens when you meditate, when all the static in
your head settles, is you start to consider things in a different
way. Take my friends for example.
In my life, I've had an eclectic group of people I call my true friends.
Extremely varied, but I was drawn to them.
I often wonder how and why I choose these people as my true
friends,(or why I was chosen to be their friend). One similarity
about them all whichI have realized recently, they were all
either a Bodhisttva, or working to achieve that state. Whether
they knew it or not. Actions speak louder than words or
religious doctrines. They all came into my life for a reason.
How we treat others, and what we do to better the world, show our
true colors.
It's like throwing a stone into the ocean, it creates ripples.
Where does the energy from that ripple stop? It doesn't. Energy
is neither created nor destroyed. Our actions, like the ripple
from the stone, reverberate throughout the universe.
Stony, my dear friend. I am thankful the universe choose to send you as a bodhisattva into my life, to show me the path. You gave me advice when no one else could, food when I was broke and hungry, a job when I needed it. Clothes when I couldn't afford them, relationship advice when no one else knew what was going in. Your influence brought me into my career. You designed my home, a place a peace and tranquility for me. We heard things in songs most people didn't. You had the 3rd eye of a true artist, and taught me to develop and appreciate mine.
Stony is gone from this realm. Today marks 1 year. But the ripples he created in my life continue.
What can I do? Sit around and feel sorry about it? Not an option. No Excuses.
I ask myself, what kind of ripples do I want to send?
Over the last year, I developed a personal creed, by which I try to live. It is:
1. Treat others as I would like to be treated.
2. Leave the world a better place for my being in it.
3. Tread lightly, and learn from all I encounter.
4. Slow down, and appreciate the moment.
It kind of looks a lot like The Bodhisattva Vow:
(in an English translation)
May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
I vow to save innumerable sentient beings.
I vow to eliminate endless afflictions/delusions.
I vow to learn innumerable doctrines.
I vow to accomplish the unsurpassed Buddha Way.
The signs are all around me. Thank you my brother Stony for
preparing me. You were, and always will be my first and
greatest teacher. Our journey has just begun. May our
ripples benefit all...forever.
Gassho.
