Very thought-provoking as usual❤️ And some questions/reflections arise, I would be happy if you could help me understand:
1) Do you have in Buddhism actual teachings for Bodhisattvas? I mean, do they really need them?
2) Why do you think there is no such concept as Bodhisattva in other traditions?
3) Just for me to understand — while I was in Nepal and then in Tibet, I kept hearing the word “Bodhisattva” used for people who, as it seemed to me, were very far from what this sacred concept really means.
It felt like this word has become more like a social term or a kind of motivation/encouragement?
Like when a little kid comes to a boxing school and the old wise teacher calls him, “Oh, my champion!” — even though the kid is not really a champion yet. But the teacher gives him a long-term goal and inspires him to grow into that one day.
Haha, the example you gave is really interesting and vivid. A Bodhisattva is someone who has genuinely developed spontaneous Bodhicitta. Usually, calling someone a Bodhisattva in a polite, worldly context doesn’t seem quite appropriate to me.
Yes, I found this very interesting — and honestly, a bit awkward for me at first. But now I see your point more clearly. Can I ask you one more thing?)
From my personal experiences, I feel that a Bodhisattva is not just a person, but more like a being who can actually, not just in imagination or metaphor, disconnect from our layer of reality and move to other (something even beyond the standard perception of Samadhi) more subtle or even more interesting dimensions.
But they choose to stay here, fully aware of all those higher levels, just to help other souls rise from this lower or basic level of existence.
Does that understanding make any sense from your point of view and correlate with Buddhism tradition?🙏
1. Indeed, Bodhisattvas still require the Buddha’s teachings, including both noble Bodhisattvas and great Bodhisattvas (Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas), because their goal is to benefit all sentient beings by attaining Buddhahood. This requires immense capabilities and countless samādhis, not merely realizing non-self to attain nirvana.
2. Bodhisattvas aspire to achieve Buddhahood (Buddha-bodhi), so the concept of a Bodhisattva is unique to Buddhism and cannot exist in other traditions. However, other traditions also emphasize altruistic ideals. The key distinction lies in Buddhism’s unique establishment of the path to Buddhahood.
3. Nowadays, many people use the term “Bodhisattva” in secular contexts as a form of encouragement or respect, but this does not mean the person is an actual Bodhisattva.
I am just exploring all traditions and trying to find matches with them and my personal spiritual journey🙏Your explanation definitely adds value to this!
A Bodhisattva is also a sentient being. Please take a look at Neo Shakya Guru’s response above; does it help you understand the concept of a Bodhisattva?
Yes ☀️ thank you both for this!) So far, I feel — and I’m not sure how to say it more politely — that maybe each tradition works with a different level of consciousness or soul maturity.
And Buddhism, especially with the concept of the Bodhisattva and its teachings around it, seems to reflect the highest level of perception and awareness I’ve seen so far.
But I still need to think and meditate more on this… It feels like something really big and important might be hidden here.
I rejoice in your sharing of thoughts. Exploring the truth through the correct teachings requires our discernment and practice. Thank you again for your question, which sparked reflection.🙏💛
Science is undoubtedly a manifestation of desire and also a reflection of karma. The purity or impurity of the motives of researchers and inventors constitutes their individual karma. However, we should be more concerned with whether our own minds are tainted when we experience the results of science as a cause.
Beautifully thought provoking 🙏🥰
Thank you, I’m delighted to hear you say that.🙏💛
Very thought-provoking as usual❤️ And some questions/reflections arise, I would be happy if you could help me understand:
1) Do you have in Buddhism actual teachings for Bodhisattvas? I mean, do they really need them?
2) Why do you think there is no such concept as Bodhisattva in other traditions?
3) Just for me to understand — while I was in Nepal and then in Tibet, I kept hearing the word “Bodhisattva” used for people who, as it seemed to me, were very far from what this sacred concept really means.
It felt like this word has become more like a social term or a kind of motivation/encouragement?
Like when a little kid comes to a boxing school and the old wise teacher calls him, “Oh, my champion!” — even though the kid is not really a champion yet. But the teacher gives him a long-term goal and inspires him to grow into that one day.
Haha, the example you gave is really interesting and vivid. A Bodhisattva is someone who has genuinely developed spontaneous Bodhicitta. Usually, calling someone a Bodhisattva in a polite, worldly context doesn’t seem quite appropriate to me.
🙏💛
Yes, I found this very interesting — and honestly, a bit awkward for me at first. But now I see your point more clearly. Can I ask you one more thing?)
From my personal experiences, I feel that a Bodhisattva is not just a person, but more like a being who can actually, not just in imagination or metaphor, disconnect from our layer of reality and move to other (something even beyond the standard perception of Samadhi) more subtle or even more interesting dimensions.
But they choose to stay here, fully aware of all those higher levels, just to help other souls rise from this lower or basic level of existence.
Does that understanding make any sense from your point of view and correlate with Buddhism tradition?🙏
1. Indeed, Bodhisattvas still require the Buddha’s teachings, including both noble Bodhisattvas and great Bodhisattvas (Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas), because their goal is to benefit all sentient beings by attaining Buddhahood. This requires immense capabilities and countless samādhis, not merely realizing non-self to attain nirvana.
2. Bodhisattvas aspire to achieve Buddhahood (Buddha-bodhi), so the concept of a Bodhisattva is unique to Buddhism and cannot exist in other traditions. However, other traditions also emphasize altruistic ideals. The key distinction lies in Buddhism’s unique establishment of the path to Buddhahood.
3. Nowadays, many people use the term “Bodhisattva” in secular contexts as a form of encouragement or respect, but this does not mean the person is an actual Bodhisattva.
Anjali🙏🤎
Thank you very much, Neo❤️
I am just exploring all traditions and trying to find matches with them and my personal spiritual journey🙏Your explanation definitely adds value to this!
A Bodhisattva is also a sentient being. Please take a look at Neo Shakya Guru’s response above; does it help you understand the concept of a Bodhisattva?
🙏💛
Yes ☀️ thank you both for this!) So far, I feel — and I’m not sure how to say it more politely — that maybe each tradition works with a different level of consciousness or soul maturity.
And Buddhism, especially with the concept of the Bodhisattva and its teachings around it, seems to reflect the highest level of perception and awareness I’ve seen so far.
But I still need to think and meditate more on this… It feels like something really big and important might be hidden here.
I rejoice in your sharing of thoughts. Exploring the truth through the correct teachings requires our discernment and practice. Thank you again for your question, which sparked reflection.🙏💛
Science is undoubtedly a manifestation of desire and also a reflection of karma. The purity or impurity of the motives of researchers and inventors constitutes their individual karma. However, we should be more concerned with whether our own minds are tainted when we experience the results of science as a cause.
Focusing on fundamental things makes people ponder the meaning of existence more deeply.🙏💛
Let go like a bodhisattva
Compassionate and wise like a Bodhisattva
🙏💛
👏👏👏
🙏💛