food for the spirits
Although feeding the hungry ghosts requires much of my time and effort, if they come to me, then i must show them compassion. Not everyone knows them for what they are; but I can feel them, see them, and hear them clearly... so I should not be surprised that the gaki and preta will come to me!
In this info-age world, we are constantly surrounded by hungry ghosts... in the form of "consumers." Commodity Culture leaves people in our society ever-empty, and ever-desiring, while there is an abundant surplus of resources all around us.
Perhaps I may be able to soothe the anger of these hungry ghosts with further application of the Bodhisattva Vow in my own life... and in turn, perhaps others will be similarly inspired?
--
'Whatever the highest perfection of the human heart-mind may I realize it for the benefit of all that lives!'
--
also q.v. my post on 2004-04-08 @ 00:50:00: Strengthening My Bodhisattva Vows
--
There are many different writings referred to as Bodhisattva Vows (with many different numbering systems), and i have taken inspiration from diverse sources such as these:
Buddhist Teachings and Practice Paths,
Taitaku Pat Phelan,
kalachakranet.org,
The Berzin Archives -- Vows and Commitments,
Bodhisattva, from Wikipedia,
Buddhism, Past and Present,
Molly C. King, "Bodhisattva",
the Bodhisattva, by Alexis Trass (sgi perspective),
bodhicitta.net,
Buddha's World,
Beastie Boys,
S. Gilman -- Taking the vows,
Khandro.Net...
--
I consider living by the Bodhisattva Vow to be an ethical method by which to contribute to The Great Work...
I am also reminded of some modern writers who espouse similar philosophies:
Dale Carnegie...
"When you are good to others, you are best to yourself."
and Bucky Fuller...
``We are now able to do so much with so little that we can provide for the basic needs of 100% of humanity without disadvantaging anyone.''
--
(further addendum 05/09/04 @ 20:04)
In this info-age world, we are constantly surrounded by hungry ghosts... in the form of "consumers." Commodity Culture leaves people in our society ever-empty, and ever-desiring, while there is an abundant surplus of resources all around us.
Perhaps I may be able to soothe the anger of these hungry ghosts with further application of the Bodhisattva Vow in my own life... and in turn, perhaps others will be similarly inspired?
--
'Whatever the highest perfection of the human heart-mind may I realize it for the benefit of all that lives!'
--
also q.v. my post on 2004-04-08 @ 00:50:00: Strengthening My Bodhisattva Vows
--
There are many different writings referred to as Bodhisattva Vows (with many different numbering systems), and i have taken inspiration from diverse sources such as these:
Buddhist Teachings and Practice Paths,
Taitaku Pat Phelan,
kalachakranet.org,
The Berzin Archives -- Vows and Commitments,
Bodhisattva, from Wikipedia,
Buddhism, Past and Present,
Molly C. King, "Bodhisattva",
the Bodhisattva, by Alexis Trass (sgi perspective),
bodhicitta.net,
Buddha's World,
Beastie Boys,
S. Gilman -- Taking the vows,
Khandro.Net...
--
I consider living by the Bodhisattva Vow to be an ethical method by which to contribute to The Great Work...
I am also reminded of some modern writers who espouse similar philosophies:
Dale Carnegie...
"When you are good to others, you are best to yourself."
and Bucky Fuller...
``We are now able to do so much with so little that we can provide for the basic needs of 100% of humanity without disadvantaging anyone.''
--
(further addendum 05/09/04 @ 20:04)