Sublime

“What does bodhicitta look like?” These four qualities—of understanding; of acting to benefit self and others; of generating and offering compassion to myself and to others; as well as the aspiration, the deep vow, to always be there by the side of those in need—are bodhicitta in action.

“Every time we do something nice for someone else, even if it is a routine thing they expect, we can do so with the thought ‘By this act of love, or of giving happiness, may I attain enlightenment to liberate all living beings.’ Every time we practice generosity, whether it is making a donation or nursing a cat, we can think the same thing.”

WANG AN-SHIH says, “Sages create but do not possess what they create. They act but do not depend on what they do. They succeed but do not claim success. These all result from selflessness. Because sages are selfless, they do not lose themselves. Because they do not lose themselves, they do not lose others.”

When supported by the happiness of a concentrated mind, protected by the shelter of virtuous actions, invigorated by direct insight, and fueled by an unwavering commitment to freedom, even difficult practices may not be burdensome.

If you use the right key with the right person you will retain your peace. Nothing in the world can upset you then. Remember, our goal is to keep a serene mind.

What are those four locks? Sukha, duḥkha, puṇya and apuṇya—the happy people, unhappy people, the virtuous and the wicked.

sages accumulate nothing but the more they do for others the greater their existence the more they give to others the greater their abundance