Explore/Chapter 2 - Confession of Negativity: Difference between revisions
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We go on to offer everything in the universe. This is not limited to the things we actually own, but we also offer up even things which do not have any owner, such as the beauty of the natural world: | We go on to offer everything in the universe. This is not limited to the things we actually own, but we also offer up even things which do not have any owner, such as the beauty of the natural world: | ||
{{PullBcaVerses|2.3}} | {{PullBcaVerses|2.3}} | ||
We also offer a host of wonderful offerings which are mentally created | We also offer a host of wonderful offerings which are mentally created, as exemplified by verse 10. | ||
{{PullBcaVerses|2.10}} | {{PullBcaVerses|2.10}} | ||
The verses of homage and prostration come after the verses of offering | The verses of homage and prostration come after the verses of offering. | ||
{{PullBcaVerses|2.24}} | {{PullBcaVerses|2.24}} | ||
Bringing to mind the qualities of those Three Jewels, Śāntideva physically and mentally prostrates to | Bringing to mind the qualities of those Three Jewels, Śāntideva physically and mentally prostrates to them. He imagines himself to have innumerable bodies, as innumerable as there are atoms in the universe, and respectfully recites the words of homage. The chapter then goes on to discuss the Buddhist method of taking refuge in the Three Jewels [LINK to terms]. | ||
<h4>Refuge</h4> | <h4>Refuge</h4> | ||
Refuge is the key orientation for Buddhists and is essential in considering oneself a Buddhist. We place our trust in the Three Jewels and commit to relying on them regardless of what is happening in our lives. It is not just a request seeking help when times are hard but an understanding of the qualities of the Three Jewels, particularly the Dharma Jewel, which is said to be the real refuge. | |||
Refuge is the key orientation for Buddhists | |||
{{PullBcaVerses|2.26}} | {{PullBcaVerses|2.26}} | ||
Refuge is a shared practice across all the Buddhist traditions. Because Śāntideva is introducing us to the conduct of the bodhisattvas, here the refuge is specifically Mahāyāna refuge. We go for refuge for the purpose of attaining the unsurpassed, fully enlightened state for the welfare of all sentient beings. We carry this refuge with us until we reach the ultimate state of buddhahood, where we will then be able to spontaneously and most effectively work for their benefit. Khenpo Kunpal reminds us of the general way in which we take refuge | Refuge is a shared practice across all the Buddhist traditions. Because Śāntideva is introducing us to the conduct of the bodhisattvas, here the refuge is specifically Mahāyāna refuge. We go for refuge for the purpose of attaining the unsurpassed, fully enlightened state for the welfare of all sentient beings. We carry this refuge with us until we reach the ultimate state of buddhahood, where we will then be able to spontaneously and most effectively work for their benefit. | ||
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Khenpo Kunzang Palden, aka Khenpo Kunpal (1862–1943), in his famous commentary to the ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' entitled ''The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech'', reminds us of the general way in which we take refuge.{{QuoteCite | |||
|quote-text=In accordance with the formula "The Buddha is the teacher unsurpassed; the sacred Dharma is the guardian unsurpassed, the Sangha is the leader unsurpassed," the actual protector or refuge for beginners is in fact the Dharma. The Buddha said, "I have taught you the methods that lead to liberation. Practice with diligence; your liberation depends on you."<ref>Kunzang Pelden, ''The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech: A Detailed Commentary on Śāntideva's Way of the Bodhisattva'', trans. Helena Blankleder and Wulstan Fletcher (Padmakara Translation Group) (Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2007), 90.</ref> | |quote-text=In accordance with the formula "The Buddha is the teacher unsurpassed; the sacred Dharma is the guardian unsurpassed, the Sangha is the leader unsurpassed," the actual protector or refuge for beginners is in fact the Dharma. The Buddha said, "I have taught you the methods that lead to liberation. Practice with diligence; your liberation depends on you."<ref>Kunzang Pelden, ''The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech: A Detailed Commentary on Śāntideva's Way of the Bodhisattva'', trans. Helena Blankleder and Wulstan Fletcher (Padmakara Translation Group) (Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2007), 90.</ref> | ||
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