Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices -27

27

To Bodhisattvas who desire the  pleasures of virtue, all those who do harm are like a precious treasure. Therefore, cultivating patience devoid of hostility is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.

Modern Translation 

The Six Far-Reaching Attitudes 

(27)

 A bodhisattva’s practice is to build up as a habit patience,
Without hostility or repulsion toward anyone,
Because,  for a bodhisattva wishing for a wealth of positive force,
All who cause harm are equal to treasures of gems.

– The Berzin Archives Thirty-seven Bodhisattva Practices 
(Bodhisattva  — In Tibetan Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is anyone who is motivated by compassion and seeks enlightenment not only for him/herself but also for everyone…)

Practice -26                                   Practice -28

4 comments on “Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices -27

  1. Elena says:

    I had to come here to actually see if there is more to this post. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
    It is indeed much harder that turning the other cheek.
    Another reminder that I still have much work to do.

    Thank you again,
    E

    Like

    • contoveros says:

      “. . . We need much patience. For a bodhisattva wishing to build up the positive force to be able to attain enlightenment, those who do harm, our enemies, are as precious as gems. This is because with them, we can practice patience. This builds up and strengthens our network of positive force, which will bring about our attainment of enlightenment . . .”
      — the Dalai Llama, commentary on Practice 27

      Elena, I hope this helps. Seems like enemies should be viewed with patience to stengthen our positive force.

      That’s tough. Particularly, when they’re bringing all the negative stuff to the table . . .

      michael j

      Like

  2. saradode says:

    I love that you’re doing these, Michael. At the moment, this one is particularly relevant to me, and something that I have to keep in mind at just about every moment for a while…

    Thank you.

    Nancy
    http://saradode.wordpress.com

    Like

    • contoveros says:

      Nancy,

      This, by far, is the hardest practice to understand, let alone to “practice.” How can i view someone doing “harm” as someone “to treasure?”

      This is much harder than simply “turning the other cheek.” It’s using the harm done to the cheek — your own or someone else’s cheek — to develop patience and compassion.

      Only a saint — or perhaps a Buddha — could do something like that.

      michael j

      Like

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