A bodhisattva may choose any of three paths to help sentient beings in the process of achieving enlightenment:
- the Bodhisattva King aspires to become a Buddha as soon as possible, and then help sentient beings attain enlightenment, guiding them through his example and protecting them with his power;
- the Bodhisattva Boatman aspires to become a Buddha simultaneously with other sentient beings, sharing their difficulties and encouraging them along the way;
- the Bodhisattva Shepherd aspires to delay his own enlightenment until all other sentient beings become Buddhas, consoling and protecting those who falter.
Which one will you be?
—after the Kun-bzang bla-ma’i zhal-lung
This is very helpful to me since it makes me realize that anyway I manage to be in my Bodhisattva nature, I am helping my fellow beings…even when I feel weak and can not lead….and God knows there are times that I need permission to collapse and feel the devastation at the task of attaining enlightenment authentically steadily and with true compassion, thus true humanness.
I guess I’d have to say I flicker back & forth between these “options” — sometimes, I am strong, confident & can lead others. Other times, I know that — maybe! — I’ll reach Buddhahood, but in the meantime my best effort is to help others reach it first. Sometimes, I feel like I can nudge others along, hoping they will also nudge me:)
Does an aspirant need to actually choose which one to be??
It becomes obvious with time…
Ah. Good to know, haha