This is the work of a bodhisattva and it reflects the meaning of “walking on the Bodhisatta Path”. As we help others , we also nourish our own seed of goodness and gradually draw closer to the Buddha’s compassionate heart.
In the heart of everyone of us lies a seed of goodness. But, this seed will need water to grow. Spiritual teachings act as this water. These teachings could come from Buddhism, Hinduism,Christianity, Islam,or other religions. As long as the teaching nourishes the seed of goodness in us and guides us to live in a wholesome way through which we benefit the world and grow spiritually, it is a good teaching. Such a teaching guides us in life, and that is why having a faith is so important.
Our spiritual faith is nurtured by the Buddha’s teachings, especially the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings. This sutra teaches us to strive not only for our own enlightenment, but the enlightenment of all living beings. We learn to be like a farmer who tends to the seeds of goodness in the hearts of everyone, so that these send may sprout. We continue to care for the seeding helping them grow into big trees. This is the work of a bodhisattva and it reflects the meaning of “walking on the Bodhisatta Path”. As we help others , we also nourish our own seed of goodness and gradually draw closer to the Buddha’s compassionate heart.
The Buddha’s heart is one of great compassion, so this a the kind of heart we need to nurture. In fact, such compassion is inherent in every one of us, we need only to bring it forth. Because of this compassion, we can feel the pain and suffering of others just as if we were experiencing the pain and suffering ourselves. This deep feeling for others will inspire us to take action to relieve their suffering. Compassion is therefore the driving force in our work of helping people in need.
What kind of spirit should we have as we engage in this work? The Sutra of Innumerable Meanings tells us that the bodhisattva not only provides aid in times of need, but does so actively on his or her own initiative, without needing to wait for people’s call for help. In giving help, the bodhisattva does so in a way that gives people a sense of security, peace, and happiness. He or she is also like a spiritual friend, guiding people away from wrong paths in life, by leading them to gradually understand life’s meaning and purpose.
Of course, all this is no easy work by any means. At times, it can be very taxing and difficult. But when we get very tired from the work, what keeps us going is the power of gratitude, for it is a blessing to have the opportunity to help people and create a better life for others. This fills us spiritual, joy, and empowering us to continue our work happily and willingly.
.The Buddha’s teachings guide us in cultivating love and compassion and encourage us to take real, meaningful action to make the world better. In so doing, we nourish the seeds of goodness within our-selves and others.If we wish to change the world, we must begin by transforming the hearts and minds of humanity. The Buddha’s teachings show us the way. Let us walk this path mindfully. This is how we can bring hope to our lives and our world.
