The Bodhisattva's Message

A SIMPLE SERMON:

It is widely believed that The Buddha's most powerful sermon consisted of him simply holding a flower aloft before his followers. He spoke no words as most of his disciples argued and debated the meaning of what he had done. Legend says it was a lotus flower and not a lilly but the message was not about flower identification. Only one follower, Mahakashyapa, said nothing as he smiled knowingly. The Buddha then told his followers that he had given them the things that could be said but that he had given Mahakashyapa the things that could not be said.

THE BODHISATTVA'S VOWS:

No matter how numerous they are, I vow to help all seekers to achieve success in finding the path.

No matter what the roadblocks, I vow to try to defeat them.

Despite the huge amount of scriptures available, I vow to master them.

I vow to find and travel the way no matter how difficult.

You know more than I know but I know everything. You know more people than I know but I know everybody. You have been to more places than I but I have been everywhere. Your faiths and beliefs are stronger than mine but they are part of my spirituality. Your scriptures stretch around the world but they are but a part of what I find inspired. You are my superior in all things but I can give you the most superior of all that is. No matter what, you must never stop searching. The sincere desire to please will please yourself as well as all beings you desire to please. You will find that the path under your feet is the true path if you truly believe. When you are honest with the one who knows when you are sincere, you will have found the way that surpasses all meaning and understanding.

There are entire universes in spaces no larger than a grain of sand...in the night sky we can see a universe so unending we cannot fathom its dimensions yet you need to experience nothing larger or smaller than a flower to find the way to enlightenment and salvation.

The best way to deal with troubles and achieve the right path in life is to go to the sources...the mind and the heart. One should awaken with a mind desiring to exhibit compassion and loving kindness. So it is also with problems and difficulties. They are powerful because your mind gives them power. They can be overcome at that point. As Buddhists we do not strive to change the world. We only wish to change ourselves. If we get better the world will be better. As Bodhisattvas we wish to help other beings change their minds and hearts from inside. The Buddha has taught us the Four Noble Truths to help us. (1) Life is suffering...life is not permanent. (2) We suffer because we are attached to things in ignorance. (3) The end of suffering can be attained. (4) The Noble Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering. We must understand things as they really are. We must strive to do right. Our speech should be motivated by ethics. We must use our bodies to do righteous things. Wealth and possessions should be gained ethically and honestly. We must use our will for good things. We must think with pure consciousness. We must always strive to find and keep the path to enlightenment