Lighting up the world.

The other day I was reflecting on one candle lighting another candle. A single candle can light dozens of other candles and nothing is lost in the process. The candle doesn't become weary and doesn't concern itself with the results of lighting other candles. It just lights up the world that it interacts with. That reminded me of this verse by Shantideva:

May I be a guard for those who are protectorless, 

A guide for those who journey on the road.

For those who wish to cross the water, 

May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

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.

May I be the wishing jewel, the vase of wealth,

A word of power and supreme healing,

May I be the tree of miracles,

For every being the abundant cow.

Just like the earth and space itself,

And all the mighty elements,

For boundless multitudes of beings

May I always be the ground of life, the source of varied sustenance.

Thus for everything that lives,

As far as the limits of the sky,

May I be constantly their source of livelihood

Until they pass beyond all sorrow.

A bodhisattva is someone who has made a commitment to waking up in the world in order to better serve and benefit others. The bodhisattva relies on a set of principles that are focused on elevating our individual and collective dignity. Part of the bodhisattvas commitment is making a daily choice to be of benefit to others, not simply ourselves. That daily commitment can take many forms, both in intention and action. A simple way to set your intention for the day is to recite this verse of Shantideva's aspiration prayer for the bodhisattva vow.

The result of your practice is the consummation of your character, your willingness to be the reservoir of presence and dignity in a world that desperately needs more thoughtful, compassionate and caring people. Be the candle, the bridge, the guide. Dedicate the time and energy to learning how to do that so you don't wear yourself thin, but that you can commit to making it a daily practice for the rest of your life. 

In pursuit of happiness.

Happiness is elusive in our world, and yet it is happiness we seek. We all want to be happy, and yet the happiness itself is ephemeral.

When reciting the four immeasurables, we come across this first verse:

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. 

This intention is vast and all-inclusive. The reality of that intention seems to be unrealistic and idealistic. It is not possible for all beings to be happy. Isn't the very nature of reality one of suffering and discontentment?

It is useful to think of happiness as a body of effort and work. Happiness is a fleeting emotion, and yet the body of causes and actions that contribute to that happiness can have lasting strength and durability. In this sense, our character, which is the result of values and principles acted upon over time, predisposes us to the enjoyment of happiness.

What we do today, what we act on and value, determines and becomes the cause of our future happiness. Choose wisely and act with intention.

Turns out happiness is a choice. 

*See you on the cushion this Sunday!

"Whatever arises must cease."

"Whatever is subject to arising is subject to cessation."

This was the phrase that Kondanna uttered after hearing the Buddha's first sermon on the four noble truths. To which the Buddha replied, "Kondanna understands. Kondanna is one who understands it all."

This seemingly insignificant exchange occurs at the end of the Dharmachakra-pravartana sutra but it points to exactly what the Buddha was trying to illuminate, the wisdom of dependent origination.

That which changes is impermanent.
Whatever is impermanent is subject to dissatisfaction, or dukkha.
Whatever is conditioned is empty of inherently existing.

The three seals of impermanence, dukkha, and emptiness or not-self form the basis for understanding all the Buddha's teachings. If you understand these three seals, you are never far off from the Buddha's insight into the nature of the self and reality.

These are not complicated principles. They are accessible in our present experience. They are readily taught without dogma, even small children can observe how things are subject to change.

Much has been taught and can be taught about Buddhist philosophy. Simply understanding these three seals is enough to give rise to a greater understanding of the world around us, and insight into our own nature.

Contemplate these three seals with the four noble truths and you have a complete path to awakening.