Living in the world, but not part of the world is the best way to serve others. A Bodhisattva strives to help all others. In order to help, we must know their thoughts, feelings, intentions, goals, and struggles, yet not be knocked off balance in the face of challenges or adversity. In this way Buddhist compassion is infused with wisdom, the wisdom that recognizes appearances are not real. This is a similar conclusion that quantum physicists come to regarding all physical things in the universe – they appear one way, but exist in another. Everything appears solid, independent, and permanent. Yet when we look deeper, we cannot find these solid, independent, and permanent things! Thus, everything is like an illusion, appearing one way yet existing in another. This understanding frees us from taking things personally and getting too attached. Ironically it opens our heart to more compassion and love. In this way we live in the world, but are not part of it in terms of buying into the illusion.
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How to cultivate compassion
Compassion can be hard to cultivate. We are so wrapped up in our own self. We can’t see beyond our own selfish needs, and think we are number one. How can we broaden our view […]
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Amazing grace!
“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound; that saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” These moving words of the song Amazing Grace are […]
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The root of the problem
For those interested in understanding the teachings of the Buddha, to eliminate suffering for oneself and others, this schema presented in the last post is crucial to understand. The root of the problem is a […]