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Here, Śāntideva says that when previously generating bodhicitta, he made a promise to the beings in the ten directions to help them be liberated from all their karma and the afflictions. He specifically promised not to destroy his own afflictions alone, as that would lead him merely to the solitary peace of nirvana. | Here, Śāntideva says that when previously generating bodhicitta, he made a promise to the beings in the ten directions to help them be liberated from all their karma and the afflictions. He specifically promised not to destroy his own afflictions alone, as that would lead him merely to the solitary peace of nirvana. | ||
But when this pledge was made, Śāntideva himself was not free from the negative emotions. Looking back now, he feels that this was indeed an ill-considered promise. Not taking realistic stock of his qualities and abilities, he feels it is almost the act of a madman. "How," he asks, "could I have the ability to release others from afflictions if I had not already destroyed my own?" It is akin to promising to save someone from a swiftly flowing river whilst we ourselves are bound and drowning. But that promise has been made and now that pledge must be honored. | But when this pledge was made, Śāntideva himself was not free from the negative emotions. Looking back now, he feels that this was indeed an ill-considered promise. Not taking realistic stock of his qualities and abilities, he feels it is almost the act of a madman. "How," he asks, "could I have the ability to release others from afflictions if I had not already destroyed my own?" It is akin to promising to save someone from a swiftly flowing river whilst we ourselves are bound and drowning. But that promise has been made, and now that pledge must be honored. | ||
Unless we are able to destroy the afflictions, this vow of ours to guide all sentient beings to the highest state of buddhahood will never be fulfilled. Therefore, we must strive with utmost diligence in the antidotes. | Unless we are able to destroy the afflictions, this vow of ours to guide all sentient beings to the highest state of buddhahood will never be fulfilled. Therefore, we must strive with utmost diligence in the antidotes. | ||
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