Do You Believe In Bodhisattvas

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Laurel	12 Aug 2002
This relates to the excellent thread on reincarnation. A Bodhisattva is someone who has obtained the Enlightment necessary to break out of the cycle of reincarnation- they have earned nirvana. However, rather than going forth, they return to help others obtain enlightenment for themselves first. Related to Bodhisattva is the Western idea of certain people dying and rather than going to heaven directly, they return to earth as guardian angels or spirit guides. Do you believe this happens? Is it common or is it rare? Laurel

jema	12 Aug 2002
i have often thought about this. when i first read about it i somehow thought it an Elitist idea. that some were "better" then us. but the more i think about it the more i see how this could be how the universe works. i do think it is rare but not extremly rare. i also think that perhaps those Bodhisattvas are not always really spiritual leaders and such. i really believe some can be something as "simple" as a teacher who can change the life of her students. a nurse or a doctor devoted to healing others, an inventor bringing us wonderful things such as new breeds or grains or cures for disease, someone working in an animal shelter giving all they got to save animals etc... i think a Bodhisattva don't really need to be recogniced for what they do - they just do it anyway cause they love it. and to come back down to earth would mean that they willingly exposes themselfs to all our human failures and weaknesses. yet - deep down inside they have that special light that refuses to go out. or at least that is my theory this week. i might feel differently about it the next. just because i don't know. no one knows.

Violet Gargoyle	12 Aug 2002
I believe it is just as possible as angels or plain ol' helpful spirits are. I go back to the idea that many people have different religious paths, but in the end it boils down to the role models you choose to guide you. I myself have a little Quan Yin alter in my room, really just to help me remember to be compassionate.

Kyrie Blue	12 Aug 2002
I certainly believe there are Bodhisattvas among us. I think it is something extrememly rare! So,I can't say that I have ever met one although I did suspect someone of being one once. Only because he seemed to have no fear and he threw your fears in your face in a way of making you face them. He certainly opened a few eyes...I haven't seen him in years and I guess I'll never know if he was one, but it did cross my mind. He could just have been a person who saw a little bit more than the rest of us.

napaea	13 Aug 2002
I haven't read anything about Bodhisattvas, so I can't say I'm completely informed of the theory. however, i think my sister is a Bodhi. She was not the most spiritual person until about 4 years ago. Then BANG! she was freakin mahatma ghandi!! she is amazing! we just did a past life reading on her yesterday, and came up with a tibetan buddhist life (which a psychic had already told her about). funny i should find this thread today, because that's exactly what i told her yesterday...she didn't have to come back because she was so enlightened, but came back because she wanted to help raise the consciousness on earth. But she's just a person. she may have been or be a Bodhi, but she's moody, gets mad, swears. but i'm telling, this girl SHINES. Yeah, I think there are Bodhis, and I'm living with one!!

Melvis	15 Aug 2002
Very inspiring story, Napaea! I've heard the term Bodhisattva before, but was not sure exactly what it was referring to. Now that I know, I think I agree with the idea. It would seem to me that the nature of enlightenment might encourage the sharing of said enlightenment with others. But then again...how would I know what the nature of 'enlightenment' is? I guess when (if?) I eventually obtain it I'll come back and let you know! ;) Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

Strange2	15 Aug 2002
Yes, I believe there are Bodhisattvas, individuals who have focused their lives on helping others evolve and attain well-being. Regardless of whether there are actual Bodhisattvas, what is inspiring is the concept of devoting oneself to compassion for others. The "Bodhisattva Vow" is a matter of attitude and a way of thinking. Here's some info on the Bodhisattva Vow, from: http://www.kagyu.org/buddhism/tra/tra06.html --------------------------- The first benefit of having obtained the bodhisattva vow is that through the practice of bodhicitta, we will learn how to remove suffering and obtain happiness. We will come to recognize that the root of all happiness is bodhicitta. Bodhicitta is the practice or method of thinking, the essence of which is developing limitless loving-kindness and compassion. This is not the ordinary loving-kindness and compassion that we have for those close to us. Instead, it is the development of an attitude of wishing to remove suffering and give happiness to all sentient beings. It is loving-kindness and compassion that is vast, limitless and profound. Secondly, having developed bodhicitta, not only do we experience our own happiness that is free from suffering, but with the bodhisattva vow, we are able to benefit others by giving happiness and removing suffering. The third benefit of obtaining the bodhisattva vow and developing bodhicitta is that since we all have our greatest enemy within ourselves, the conflicting emotions, through which we experience endless suffering, it is bodhicitta that gives us the strength to overcome these conflicting emotions. Bodhicitta is like a sword that cuts through all suffering . The fourth benefit of developing pure bodhicitta is that it is the root of obtaining ultimate happiness for self and others. If it is not pure, we can not experience happiness, nor can we teach others to experience happiness. Bodhicitta is like a precious, wish-fulfilling jewel. --------------------------------- As Jema states, there are Bodhisattvas all around us: teachers, doctors, parents, friends.... Applying the Bodhisattva vow and the practice of bodhicitta in daily life is something I aspire to.

Liliana	15 Aug 2002
Well I certainly hope they exist. Someone has to poin the way. In fact I think I kind of aspire to it myself subconsciously. Not that Im anywhere close yet :) :THP

Jenny-Li	16 Aug 2002
Like Melvis I had heard the term before, but not quite grasped the meaning of it, but now that I do I think it's the way it has to be. And I think they don't have to be completely perfect, after all they are here on earth as humans, it's only natural for them to carry the very human balance of good sides and not so good sides just like the rest of us. But perhaps for these people the light of enlightenment shines very strong, whether or not they are aware themselves of what that light is, or if they just follow it because it feels right to do so. And they are at all level, from the known Masters to the hardworking teacher or nurse who just spread their light to the people around them... It's funny, I just recently read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and I had no idea that was what he was, a Bodhisattva...! A seagull Bodhisattva...!:) Light and love, Jenny :)

The Do You Believe In Bodhisattvas thread was originally posted on 12 Aug 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.