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All Beings are Buddhas

10/21/2018

 
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And if I say my foes should not be honored
Since they did not mean to stimulate my practice,
Why do I revere the Sacred Dharma,
Cause indeed of my attainment?

"These enemies conspired to harm me," I protest,
"And therefore should receive no honors."
But had they worked to help me like a doctor,
How could I have brought forth patience?

Thanks to those whose minds are full of malice
I engender patience in myself.
They therefore are the causes of my patience,
Fit for veneration, like the Dharma.

. . .

Thus the state of Buddhahood depends
On beings and on Buddhas equally.
What kind of practice is it then
That honors only Buddhas but not beings?

Not in the qualities of their minds
But in the fruits they give are they alike.
In beings, too, such excellence resides,
And therefore beings and Buddhas are the same.

Offerings made to those with loving minds
Reveal the eminence of living beings.
Merit that accrues from faith in Buddha
Shows in turn the Buddhas's eminence.

Although not one of them is equal 
To the Buddhas, who are oceans of perfection,
Because they have a share in bringing forth enlightenment,
Beings may be likened to the Buddhas.
...

The great compassionate lords consider as themselves
All beings - there's no doubt of this.
Those whom I perceive as beings are Buddhas in themselves;
How can I not treat them with respect?

The Way of the Bodhisattva (Shambhala Classics, publ.)
Chapter 6, Patience
Verses 109 - 111, 113 - 116, 126




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Though, even with great wealth, it’s rarely found.
So take your pleasure in the excellence of others.
Let them be a heartfelt joy to you.
​
                                                 ​- Shantideva 

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