May I assist all sentient beings to attain Buddhahood,
and may
I be the last one to attain Buddhahood
when all sentient beings
have attained Buddhahood.
May I be a guard for all those who are protectorless.
A guide for
all those who journey on the road,
For those who wish to go across
the water,
May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge,
For all those ailing in the world,
Until their every sickness has
been healed,
May I myself become for them the doctor, nurse, the medicine
itself.
It is the supreme elixir that overcomes the sovereignty of death.
It
is the inexhaustible treasure that eliminates poverty in the world.
It
is the supreme medicine that quells the world's disease.
It is the
tree that shelters all beings wandering and tired on the path of
conditioned existence.
It is the universal bridge that leads to freedom
from unhappy states of birth.
It is the dawning moon of the mind that
dispels the torment of disturbing conceptions.
It is the great sun
that finally removes the misty ignorance of the world.
(excerpt
from Bodhisattvacharyavatara – Shantideva 700 CE)
A Course of Study
To those of us who participate in the Buddhist Coalition for Bodhisattva
Activity, it is apparent that the Bodhisattva path is best realized
through action. After exploring the situation in a number of sanghas,
we discovered that, although this path was being taught, it was
usually not studied in great depth. The importance of this ideal
was not emphasized. What better way to realize the successive stages
of the path than to provide service to others.
Coalition sangha representatives and volunteers expressed a need
for support. They wanted a way to approach their social engagement
as meditation practice. They asked for this in order to give direction
to their service to others and as a way to process their experiences.
This curriculum was developed as an aid to exploring the basic
definition, history, and conduct of the bodhisattva. It consists
of excerpts from different texts and a collection of practices
from various Buddhist traditions.
The curriculum is continually evolving. It is a work in progress.
Our objective is to make it available to member sanghas for study
and to use it for enriching the volunteer experience.
Outline of the Curriculum
1. Definition of a bodhisattva and various web
links to different school's definitions (unfinished).
2. Study Modules. The curriculum is presented
in six study modules. These consist of excerpts from various sources
and related practices. It is suggested that the six modules
be explored one per month over a six month period. Each group or
individual can determine the depth of study, The challenge is to
explore previously unknown aspects of the path and put theory into
action. Stories, visualizations, chants, and meditation practices
are included in each module to expand the understanding of the
topic.
(a)
Sutra – Shantideva, Chandrakirti, Vimilamitra,
37 practices of a bodhisattva, Ugrapariprccha
(b)
Paramitas – the six are defined with commentaries.
As an example, the paramita
of generosity is defined and discussed in diverse traditions
4. Invitation to contribute to selections. If
you have come upon an inspiring text related to the nature or activity
of the bodhisattva please email it to us at buddhistcoalition@netzero.com.
