Cultivating the Bodhisattva Path at Home, at Work, and at the Temple

By Chang Jie
04/26/2009

On April 26, 2009, Dr. Rebecca Li gave a talk at CMC entitled, "Cultivating the Bodhisattva Path at Home, at Work, and at the Temple".

According to Dr. Li, the key components of the bodhisattva path are:

• not causing harm to others
• cultivating virtues that benefit sentient beings (eg: the practice of the Six Paramitas)
• resolving to benefit all sentient beings (eg: the Four Great Vows)

While these vows seem ambitious and hopelessly unattainable, they help remind us to be diligent. Through our vows, opportunities present themselves to us to help all sentient beings, without discriminating between those we like and dislike. We take a long-term view and understand that the vows will not be fulfilled in a few months or even in the next 10 years.

Doing good is common in many spiritual practices. One thing that is particular to Buddhism is the practice of letting go of self-centered attachments. So, instead of thinking that it is "I" that is helping sentient beings, we are grateful for the causes and conditions that have come together, for the opportunity that sentient beings present to us, and understanding that I am only doing what needs to be done. This way, we will not develop strong egos and think we are so great for helping people all the time.

The habit of self-centered attachment is very strong, so it is important to train the mind through meditative practice in order to be aware our minds. When pride or self-centered thinking does arise, we can be aware of them and immediately adjust our thinking by applying the teachings of the practice of the bodhisattva path, especially the right view of conditioned arising.

Dr. Li told the story of Bodhidharma and Emperor Liang to illustrate the importance of the keeping a right view in practice. When Bodhidharma went to China, Emperor Liang met him and said, "I have built many temples and pagodas all over the country. How much merit have I accumulated?" Bodhidharma replied, "None whatsoever". When we help others with the idea that we are doing good, we have already strayed from the path.

We should cultivate our practice of the bodhisattva path without thinking of our own progress but focusing on bringing benefit to others. When we look after our own practice, we might become obsessed with it and our accomplishments and move away from the path. When we practice with the focus on helping others, without worrying about our own enlightenment, we lessen our own vexations. To benefit others is to benefit ourselves. Benefiting others does not mean subordinating ourselves or letting people abuse or take advantage of us.

Bodhisattvas manifest themselves in many shapes and forms. They can be beggars and shopkeepers. Our daily lives at home, at work and the center is filled with many wonderful opportunities to engage in practice. In Chinese, "meditation center" is "bao chan" and literally means "the place for cultivating the path". We can practice calming the mind and handling adversity with calm minds. The center is a supportive and safe environment for us to practice giving, patience, and compassion towards others, to observe how this benefits others and ourselves, and the lessening of our vexations. When we apply these methods correctly, we will observe that they really work, and have confidence in the method. Focus on meditation only is not the bodhisattva path.

Dr. Li advised us that when at the Center, we should be open to doing menial jobs, and practice letting go of self-centered attachment and cultivating gratitude. At work, we should not be to be overly concerned about pay or status, but consider a job to be good if we are able to benefit others. Family may be one of the most difficult areas to practice in, but is an excellent place to practice the path.