Cultivating the Bodhi Path
| | | | | Sutra: When I see a fruit, I vow that living beings will attain the most supreme Dharma, and certify to the way of Bodhi. |
At
all moments be attentive, at all times be cautious. Do not slack off
for even a hair's worth. Leave no good undone, no matter how small; and
do no evil, no matter how minute. Diligently cultivate the Bodhi Path;
purify and transform the gates of the karmas1.
Increase your blessings and wisdom, nurture and plant your good roots.
Irrigate the mind-field; moisten and nourish your body of virtue so
that you can withstand unforeseen misfortunes. Take it in stride and
remain unmoved; understand and recognize it so that no anger arises.
Develop a great stupidity, endure what others cannot endure.
Realistically do it! You cannot steal a bell while stopping up your own
ears; this is cheating for name and fish for fame, you are a thief
among the virtuous and a pretender of the Way. You must become resolved
and make progress on the great road of brightness. Until you reach
Buddhahood, you should be irreversible.
A verse says:
- The great Path of Bodhi is straight upon straight
Do not be crooked or rely on luck
With true mind seeking the Dharma there will certainly be a response.
With false intent and a perfunctory manner you are just wasting your time.
Use courageous vigor and patience; never retreat
From giving and holding precepts, you should cultivate wisdom.
One day you will perfect the paramitas.
And rejoin the ten directions' Buddhas at the Lotus Pool.
1The three karmas of body, mouth, and mind. Cultivators purify these three karmas so as to avoid the ten evil acts.
Vajra Bodhi Sea, July 1980
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