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The Way of the Bodhisattva QUOTES

The Way of the Bodhisattva QUOTES

1 " All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. (8.129) "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

2 " Thus we are counseled at length to be careful about the company we keep, recognizing the simple fact that an unexamined lifestyle, in which we are immersed in the materialistic values and behavior of worldly friends, will get us nowhere. Only frustration and inanity will be the result. Shāntideva advises us to fight shy of those whose values are contrary to the Dharma—people he habitually refers to as “those who are like children” (in other words, in terms designed to stimulate feelings of concern rather than resentment). Thus Shāntideva prescribes solitude, a flight from the world—not of course in a puritanical, world-denying sense, but in a spirit of inner freedom. Tranquillity of mind, he says significantly, is “found by people who are happy to be free from worldly ties,” and who for that reason, “never turns . . . a backward glance” (8.4, 8.26). And he is lyrical in his celebration of retreat in the wilderness. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

3 " 9.
Should bodhichitta come to birth
In those who suffer, chained in prisons of samsāra,
In that instant they are called the children of the Blissful One,
Revered by all the world, by gods and humankind. "

― Śāntideva, , The Way of the Bodhisattva

4 " In solitude, the mind and body
Are not troubled by distraction.
Therefore leave this worldly life
And totally abandon mental wandering. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

5 " And now as long as space endures,
As long as there are beings to be found,
May I continue likewise to remain
To drive away the sorrows of the world.

The pains and sorrows of all wandering beings—
May they ripen wholly on myself.
And may the virtuous company of Bodhisattvas
Always bring about the happiness of beings. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

6 " If there is a remedy, then what is the use of frustration? If there is no remedy, then what is the use of frustration? "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

7 " We are the authors of our own destiny; and being the authors, we are ultimately, perhaps frighteningly, free. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

8 " Those desiring speedily to be
A refuge for themselves and others
Should make the interchange of "I" and "other,"
And thus embrace a sacred mystery. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

9 " All the joy the world contains Has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

10 " So take advantage of this human boat. Free yourself from sorrow’s mighty stream! This vessel will be later hard to find. The time that you have now, you fool, is not for sleep! "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

11 " The source of sorrow is the pride of saying “I,” It’s fostered and increased by false belief in self. To this you may believe that there is no redress, But meditation on no-self will be the supreme way. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

12 " 19. May I be an isle for those who yearn for land, A lamp for those who long for light; For all who need a resting place, a bed; For those who need a servant, may I be their slave. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

13 " When the urge arises in your mind To feelings of desire or angry hate, Do not act! Be silent, do not speak! And like a log of wood be sure to stay. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

14 " And therefore I’ll dispel the pain of others, For it is simply pain, just like my own. And others I will aid and benefit, For they are living beings, like my body. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

15 " What we see and what we touch Is stuff of dreams and mirages. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

16 " Although it is their sticks that hurt me, I am angry at the ones who wield them, striking me. But they in turn are driven by their hatred; Therefore with their hatred I should take offence. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

17 " People scorn the poor who have no wealth, They also criticize the rich who have it. What pleasure can derive from keeping company With people such as these, so difficult to please? "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

18 " Beings suffer injury alike From lifeless things as well as living beings. So why be angry only with the latter? Rather let us simply bear with harm. 67. Some do evil things because of ignorance, Some respond with anger, being ignorant. Which of them is faultless in such acts? To whom shall error be ascribed? 68. Instead, why did they act in times gone by That they are now so harmed at others’ hands? Since everything depends on karma, Why should I be angry at such things? 69. This I see and therefore, come what may, I’ll hold fast to the virtuous path And foster in the hearts of all An attitude of mutual love. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

19 " ground gained must be retained at all cost and never yielded. Once attention has been caught, and interest kindled, the task is one of consolidation: the original impulse and fervor must be safeguarded and never allowed to disappear. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva

20 " The work of bringing benefit to beings Will not, then, make me proud and self-admiring. The happiness of others is itself my satisfaction; I do not expect another recompense. "

― , The Way of the Bodhisattva