The Bodhisattva Poem
POETRY FORMAT, 25 Nov 2024
Shantideva – TRANSCEND Media Service
Eighth Century A.D. [1]
By the virtue amassed by all that I have done,
May the pain of every being be completely healed.
May I be doctor and medicine, and may I be nurse,
For all sick beings in the world, till all are well.
May food and drink rain down to stop all thirst and hunger,
And during times of famine,
May I turn myself into food and drink.
May I be an endless treasure for the poor and destitute;
May I turn into all things they could ever need,
And may these then be placed close beside them.
With no sense of loss,
May I give up my possessions, even my body,
And all past, present, and future virtues, to help all beings…
May I be savior of those without one, a guide for all the lost,
A bridge, a ferry, and a ship for all who cross the water.
May I be an island for those who seek one,
And a lamp for those desiring light.
May I be a bed for all who wish to rest,
And a slave for all who want a slave.
May I be a wishing jewel, magic vase, powerful mantras, and great medicine,
May I become a wish-fulfilling tree, and cow of plenty for the world…
Till they pass from pain,
May I also be the source of life
For all realms of beings to the end of space.
Just as all former Lords of Bliss conceived this enlightened spirit
And progressively performed the Bodhisattva deeds,
So for the sake of all beings, I, too conceive this enlightened spirit,
And so will I, too, progressively perform these deeds.
NOTE:
[1] Quoted in Thurman, R. (1998). Inner revolution: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of real happiness. New York, NY: Riverhead Books, pp. 158-159. Thurman writes:
“This is the messianic drive of the Bodhisattva; the spirit of love and compassion called the enlightening soul. It is not merely the wish that all be well with all beings – it is the determination that you yourself will assume responsibility for others. (Pg. 159)
Tags: Buddhism, Poetry, Spirituality
This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 25 Nov 2024.
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