Here is another excerpt from the first chapter of A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life called “The Benefits of the Awakening Mind.” May these words written by Shantideva inspire all who encounter them.
#26
How can I fathom the depths
Of the goodness of this jewel of the mind,
The panacea that relieves the world of pain
And is the source of all its joy?
#31
If whoever repays a kind deed
Is worthy of some praise,
Then what need to mention the Bodhisattvas
Who do good without it being asked of them?
#32
The world honors as virtuous
One who sometimes gives a little, plain food
Disrespectfully to a few beings,
Which satisfies them for only a half a day.
#33
What need be said then of one
Who eternally bestows the peerless bliss of the Sugatas
Upon limitless numbers of beings,
Thereby fulfilling all their hopes?
#34
The Buddha has said that whoever bears a harmful thought
Against a benefactor such as a Bodhisattva
Will remain in hell for as many aeons
As there were harmful thoughts.
#35
However, if a virtuous attitude should arise (in that regard),
Its fruits will multiply far more than that.
When Bodhisattvas greatly suffer they generate no negativity,
Instead their virtues naturally increase.
#36
I bow down to the body of those
In whom the sacred precious mind is born.
I seek refuge in that source of joy
Who brings happiness even to those who bring harm.
How amazing!
These excerpts are great! Thank you Precious Lama Jetsunma,
and all else who were involved in posting these! 🙂
I especially like excerpt numbers 26 and 36,
as they speak directly of the mind and it’s capacity.
Sincerely yours in the Dharma,
Jampa