Guest guest Posted July 9, 2002 Report Share Posted July 9, 2002 Dearest Zenbabaji, Your humor tempts me to venture into these waters way over my head. Well, something is "deep" here. You are so right about the Bodhisattvas-in-training. It's just another way of learning we are self-less, shall we count the ways? I heard this from none other than the Dalai Lama when he gave a talk on the practices of a B. - it's a way to practice. It's more like a spiritual path of training undertaken for the benefit of all, certainly not having any identity as "the already enlightened one" come back to save others. Or in my simple way of putting things, it's based on the recognition we are all in this soup together. So of course, they may not have time for polished images, Harsha sure is right about that, some are kinda scruffy. There are a few obvious signs, tho some of the best B.'s don't even know that they are one. (These are exempt from filing those yearly reports.) You know, the sort that might open a root beer float stand just to make Harsha happy. Still looking for those pesky training wheels, Gloria - zen2wrk (AT) aol (DOT) com Tuesday, July 09, 2002 12:48 PM Re: Re: The Bodhisattva Ideal..... (Harsha) In a message dated 7/8/02 8:27:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time, harsha (AT) cox (DOT) net writes: Why would an enlightened being position himself/herself as an extraordianry being who is going to save others? Hopefully wisdom does not require taking up an extra burden of keeping the hair trim and neat, the shoes shiny and otherwise hold up some polished image! In this facet, there is a slight misbelief, Harsha-san. A true Bodhisattva never reveals nor would claim this nature in any public manner!!! It would immediately revoke their Bodhisattva license, for it would cease to be "Selfless." Furthermore, it would make their efforts to point the way, or assist the unlucky impossible to carry out correctly. It is the same as the nature of true philanthropy, which must be anonymous if it is to be authentic. Any self promotion voids the "selflessness" of it. Also, Bodhisattvas must fill out annual reports, in triplicate, describing their efforts, their failures, entanglements and earthly progress. Any failure to correctly file these reports results in their immediate recall from the earthly plane. Boshisattvas, can, by the way, request a suspension and even a complete revocation of their charter at these annual interval reports. This does not mean that all such requests are granted, as there are a set number of available Bodhisattvas assigned to the earth at any given time, and often there are actually shortages. In stark contrast to the insipid TV SHow "Torched By An Angel" in which perfectly mediocre humans with few if any redeeming qualities are beset by flocks of ravenous Angels, all willing to perform endless miraculous acts (all long after iany real human tragedy had occurred in order to win this miserable soul for an obviously senile and wacko God) when vast multitudes of decent and even innocent humans suffer horribly and die in other countries...well...the point is that there just are not that many Bodhisattvas available...and sadly, Harsha, it is the kind of innocent remark that you posted that can nip a budding Bodhisattva and convince them that they will not only suffer silently, but in fact, be runner-up to Root Beer Floats, when all the Lotus Petals are Counted. Consider this well, dear friend. You can never know who walking among you may be a Bodhisattva, but the unique fragrence of their feet might be a hint. Then again, never mind that...pausing to smell the feet of strangers could only get you either in trouble, or very disgusted. Blessings, Love, Zenbob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2002 Report Share Posted July 10, 2002 (These are exempt from filing those yearly reports.) You know, the sort that might open a root beer float stand just to make Harsha happy. Still looking for those pesky training wheels, Gloria Hugs Glo: Actually, none are exempt. During the deep dream state, once per year, even those who have no conscious awareness of their Dharma and identity as Bodhisattvas must file these silly reports. Sometime when we meet, I might give you a copy so that you can see how irritating the detailed questions are! Blessings, Love, Zenbabaji Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.