..续本文上一页ns to this life, whereas taking refuge in the Three Jewels within the context of the bodhisattva vows means taking refuge until one has attained perfect awakening. So, (1) one first seeks refuge in the Three Jewels for as long as samsara persists. (2) One then resolves to practice just like buddhas and bodhisattvas did in the past. And (3) one rejoices that one has taken the vows.
Shantideva wrote in the Bodhicharyavatara that the resolution to achieve awakening brings great joy to oneself. Why
Joy encourages - regret discourages. Having taken the vows, one realizes that it was a very good thing to do and a wonderful moment in life. Having planted the seed, one appreciates that one”s life has become meaningful and that one is a member of the Buddha family. One is certain that one will attain perfect awakening, and therefore one is very happy.
Many people waste their lives away. During the official ceremony, one imagines inviting all those who are helpless, lost, freezing and starving, without a protector and a purpose in life. One asks them to rejoice in the fact that they will receive help, that they will become free from suffering and will have the opportunity to lead a meaningful life.
The concluding practice of taking the bodhisattva vows consists of three steps: (1) appreciating that bodhicitta is exceptional, because it is the foundation and ground of full awakening. Why are so many beings trapped in samsara and experience suffering as a result
They have not aroused bodhicitta. Therefore one prays that everyone generates bodhicitta and understands that they can become free of misery and woe. (2) Many have opened their hearts but forget, in which case they cannot become free from suffering. One prays that bodhicitta that has arisen in their mind remains and does not get lost. (3) There are many people who have made the commitment and hold bodhicitta in their minds, but they do not increase it. One prays that they progress in their practice.
What is bodhicitta of aspiration
The invaluable wish to attain buddhahood, just as buddhas and great bodhisattvas have done in the past and continue doing. Let us look at what is taking place in the world and recall that Buddha Shakyamuni was born in India more than 2500 years ago and that he presented the precious teachings when he turned the Wheel of Dharma three times. As a result, many great arhats,11 yogis, and yoginis have attained perfect awakening. The precious Dharma was brought to Tibet and is spreading to all corners of the world now. Everything that happened then and is continuing to happen today is a manifestation of his buddha activity. Where does buddha activity come from
Buddha Shakyamuni appeared in the world, attained realization and shared his insight with others. When did his amazing buddha activity start
In a sutra it is said that a long time ago a poverty-stricken beggar was born as a Brahmin. He only owned a begging bowl. When he met the former Buddha of this aeon,12 he offered what was inside his bowl with deep devotion. The Buddha accepted the present. In that moment, the Brahmin had the wish and made the prayer to become just like the Buddha he met. It was a simple wish, a wish that grew and grew and came true. Today we experience the resolution that the Brahmin once made. We have given rise to the same aspiration, and the effect will be just as wonderful and immense.
Giving Dharma
All living beings one could imagine were invited to take part in our practice – even worst enemies, evil spirits and gods. They were spoiled with material comforts of all kinds. But it is necessary to give them the Dharma that frees from the delusions and emotions that bring on suffering and pain. Therefore, one begins the concluding practice of chod by thanking one…
《Chod – The Introduction & A Few Practices》全文未完，请进入下页继续阅读…