May those whose hell it is to hate and hurt be turned into lovers bringing flowers.
SHANTIDEVA, 8TH CENTURY
The above was posted by a friend. I suspect it is a rather free paraphrase. (The closest I could find in Bodhicharavatara is "May the hail of weapons, lava, fiery stones, become henceforth a rain of flowers.")
Still,I like it.
There is some debate over whether Buddhism is a religion, or a psychology, or a science of mind.
i like to say that Buddhism is foremost a practice of transformation of mind. The language and concepts used to present the practice are secondary. The transformation is one of moving from manifesting a mind/spirit produced by habit energy and ingrained karmic patterns towards manifesting one consonant with the great vow-the wish for the very best for beings and the resolve to be an agent of aid to those beings.
In the course of our day we encounter some who may be a significant pain in the nether regions. It is helpful to remember that they are such a pain because of and to the extent to which they are inhabiting some type of personal hell. Were they fully enlightened buddhas we would probably be weeping with joy and bliss.
So, as we are struggling to maintain composure and patience in their presence, maybe it could help, and be a bit of fun, to wish that they become great lovers (like Don Juan De Marco.)😊 … See MoreSee Less
