Ask MysticSang'ha anything (Buddhism, disciple, doctrine, experience, pray)

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by zenzero

MS,

WHO ARE YOU?


Love & rgds

"For I am you and what I see is me" - Roger Waters

[MysticSang'ha]

I just gave a lengthy reply in the Mod thread about myself, and I need some time before getting to these wonderful questions.

Paul, I'll get to that perspective on the Bodhisattva soon.

Rob, the role of compassion will be elaborated quite fully soon (and thank you deeply for the kind compliment).

ZZ, is your question on my identity relatively speaking or on my ultimate identity? Depending on the context, the answer is easy - just look in the mirror.




Peace,
Mystic

[zenzero]

Buddha never talks about relativities.
As for the mirror; neither the mirror recognises me nor do I recognise him;
thats why asked who are you?
Love & rgds

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by YmirGF

Mystic Heather, do you think you could describe to our home audience the role of the Bodhisattva? It might be quite informative to some. I remember the first time I heard the expression in this life, it was an age old friend who commented to someone else, "Paul here is Bodhisattva". I just smiled but didn't understand what he meant. Some time later I was reading the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Evans-Wentz version) and came across the meaning. To say the least I was a bit taken back, lol.

I guess what I have come to understand after being on my journey into consciousness for over 33 years now is that there isn't really a better label for me. Perhaps I will change my Religion tag to read: Bodhisattva

To describe what essentially the Bodhisattva is, I think it's necessary to also point out that this concept is what defines the clear boundary between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. The Bodhisattva is absolutely a Mahayana definition, since the Bodhisattva cares not just to be free from suffering themselves, but wish to free all others from suffering, too. I've read somewhere that one can spot a Bodhisattva by noticing that he or she simply can not refuse help toward another sentient being. And that this aspect is not merely resident because of practice or following the rules........it's essentially who they are.

IMO, a Bodhisattva is one that vows to remain in samsara until all sentient beings are free from suffering in all the Desire Realms, including the hell-realms. Therefore, he or she refuses paranibbana until that promise is completed, and chooses to remain in the presence of others' suffering, dedicating themselves completely to others.

So as far as I'm concerned, Paul, I would agree with your chosen title if that is your intention.

Originally Posted by YmirGF

Do you think Buddhist would be offended, like it's not like I haven't been a Buddhist "before", lol. If the truth be told I have quite a number of Buddhist incarnations.

Why would I be offended? Truth be told, many others have had quite a number of Buddhist incarnations, too.

*points to dusty cap on shelf saying "Legalistic Buddhist - Beware!"*

LOL




Peace,
Mystic

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by robtex

What made your current path the correct path for you?

Very simply, it works. In my moments of self-examination, I've noticed when I practice and take refuge in the Three Jewels, I am happier and I have the ability to help others to happiness. I've noticed that when I shy away from my practices, that I suffer more and I cause more suffering in others around me.

Originally Posted by robtex

The one quality that I associate with you is compassion. What are your thoughts on compassion at a societal level and how do they coincide with your spirtual beliefs?

Compassion is but one wing of the bird, and in order for the bird to fly, it must have the other wing - Wisdom. At it's most basic understanding, compassion is the trademark of the Bodhisattva (see above post). When you identify suffering in others, and soften your heart to them, you are practicing compassion. When a dichotomy of "me vs. you" or "us vs. them" exists, it is more difficult to access compassion.

A first step in Mahayana traditions, usually, in contemplating and practicing compassion is seeing all sentient beings as having what's called "Buddha-Nature." Buddha-Nature shows us that everyone, every last person, every last sentient being, has the potential to achieve Buddhahood. Whether it is realized in this lifetime or a million incarnations later, that potential is there. It is not God-hood, but the ability to be fully awake of our surroundings and our mind.

I believe that this definition is best paralleled by the human rights programs that strive to protect our basic dignities as human beings. I also believe that this is reflected in programs that protect against animal cruelty and that provides responsible stewardship of our environment.

Thank you for the compliment again, Rob. I do strive to generate bodhichitta, which is that altruistic mind-state. Vajrayana specifies the practices of generating this compassion with what's called the Six Perfections:

Giving
Morality
Patience
Enthusiastic perserverance
Meditation
Wisdom

Note: the Six Perfections are outlined by most Mahayana schools from my understanding, but Vajrayana adamantly supports it.




Peace,
Mystic

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Buddha never talks about relativities.
As for the mirror; neither the mirror recognises me nor do I recognise him;
thats why asked who are you?
Love & rgds

Refer back to post #12 for my answer again. If you wish to debate that point, please take it outside of the DIR forums.





Peace,
Mystic

[zenzero]

hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the mirror showed the mind.
Love & rgds

[MysticSang'ha]

bumpity-bump




Peace,
Mystic