The Actions of a Bodhisattva -- By His Holiness 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje

In this teaching given in Munich, Germany, 2000, His Holiness 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje gave some clear direction on the practice of the bodhisattva and what a dharma practitioner should follow based on a text called The Actions of a Bodhisattva by a great master, Ngulchu Thogme Sangmo, himself a highly realized bodhisattva. The following is an excerpt from the teaching on the selected verses, first published in Buddhism Today (Vol 8, 2000).

The meaning of Dharma

Some may find it difficult to understand what "Dharma" means, but it is really quite simple. The Dharma is the Buddha's teachings. It consists of the different methods and ways to practice, culminating in the realization of the nature of one's own mind. When we understand the nature of mind, confusion and misunderstanding, all suffering dissolve and fall away. Enlightenment is then achieved.

To listen, reflect and meditate, is the practice of a bodhisattva

It is not easy to be born as a human being. It is no accident, but rather the culmination of many positive conditions including positive actions, right ethics and wishes. It is important we don't waste our human potential but use our lives in the most fruitful way, which is to learn the teachings, contemplate them and meditate on understanding them.

To give up this life's concerns, is the practice of a bodhisattva

The way to give up attachments is to understand impermanence. Nothing lasts, neither friends nor possessions. Everything will disappear eventually. Being aware of this phenomenon and understanding that everything has the nature of impermanence will inspire us to live our lives in a meaningful way and engage in important tasks especially as far as practice is concerned.

Generating bodhicitta, is the practice of a bodhisattva

Generating the wish to help all beings out of suffering and towards enlightenment is the fundamental practice of the bodhisattva. Behind this desire is the understanding that we all have a direct connection. Consider someone close to you in this life, someone you are grateful to like parents or friends. The natural wish is for them to be happy, not to suffer and to eventually become enlightened. The bodhisattva view is to expand this wish to cover all sentient beings. This is engendering of Bodhicitta, the desire for enlightenment for all beings.

Tame your own mind stream with the forces of loving-kindness & compassion, is the practice of a bodhisattva

A bodhisattva needs to control his/her own mind [to pacify all outer disturbances. We always believe we have outer enemies but this is not true. These enemies are illusions produced by one's own mind. The best way to obliterate this enemy is to obliterate anger, which is our real enemy. Once the inner enemy of anger is removed, the outer enemies disappear. The best way to remove the wrong notion of enemies is to develop love and compassion towards all beings. Bodhisattvas have the ability through mind control of turning enemies into friends.

Always looking into your own confusion and then leaving it behind, is the practice of a bodhisattva

We often make the mistake of seeing mistakes outside ourselves while ignoring our own faults even when they are very big. This results in confusion and incorrect practice. We need to examine our mind constantly and apply corrective methods when necessary. If we don't change this and still continue to practice the Dharma, our practice may be wrong. The best way of changing habits is through greater mindfulness and awareness of one's own mind. These help to avoid many pitfalls before they happen.

Keeping continuous mindful awareness, is the practice of a bodhisattva

Once we develop mindfulness, we can eliminate our past mistakes and illusions, and be better able to benefit others. Mindfulness is essential because it is instrumental in removing obscurations. A bodhisattva's constant mindfulness is of great benefit to others. When one removes one's own confusion, it is simply of great benefit for everybody.

His Holiness 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje will be giving refuge and Dharma Talk on Bodhicitta and Taking Bodhicitta Vows at Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre on Oct. 8 (Sun) from 2-5pm. All are welcome.