The Way of the Bodhisattva By Temple Master Henry Chu

Introduction Bodhisattva is the divine rank right below Buddha Bodhisattva is considered a high divine rank and a high spiritual achievement (probably the equivalent of gods and goddesses of Greek mythology—Buddha would be like Zeus) It is the hope that Pu-Lin temple will assist with the realization of a forest of Bodhisattvas

Internal Cultivation Bodhisattvas possess perfect Enlightenment: – Bodhisattvas are without debts, without sins and is perfectly selfless – Bodhisattvas possess abundance of merits and so there are no Karmic debts or hindrance – Bodhisattvas are without fear, hatred or attachment (or any spiritual baggage) – Bodhisattvas have seen through the illusion of the Ego and is not bound by the notion of the self

Internal Cultivation Bodhisattva possess Perfect Wisdom: – Bodhisattvas understand the essence of Unity – Bodhisattvas understand the Internal Virtues that are within each spirit and have practiced to reveal his or her own Internal Virtues (the name of the Bodhisattva) – Bodhisattvas understand all the laws of the Universe and know how to operate in this world to manifest miracles and achieve outcomes (infinite capacities)

Internal Cultivation Bodhisattvas possess extreme Compassion: – Bodhisattvas love everyone in the world as themselves (extension of the Unity) – Bodhisattva wish for everyone to transcend out of this world (the divine ferry) – Bodhisattvas treat the sufferings of the people as their own (the one who hears the cry of the people)

External Cultivation Bodhisattvas do not stay in High Heaven: – They continue to come back to this world (they vowed to be the last leaving this world) – Every time they come back to the world they will return with a number of spirits – The more times they come down the greater the number they help to transcend (increase capacity) – When the number reach millions, then they succeeded into the next rank (the Buddha)

External Cultivation Bodhisattvas will do everything to relieve the pain and suffering of the people – Bodhisattvas often take on the karmic debts for the spirits he or she promise to assist – Bodhisattvas do not end worries, do not evade pains and sufferings (all for the assistance of the spirits’ transcendence) – Bodhisattvas often battle hostile spirits and negotiate with Debtors on behalf of the destined spirits

External Cultivation Bodhisattvas possess great leadership qualities – Bodhisattvas guide people’s spiritual progress with patience and persistence – Bodhisattvas lead by example and moved people with compassion and mercy – Bodhisattvas positively influence the world without taking credits and benefit the people without their own knowledge

The Way of the Bodhisattva Bodhisattva prays for the Descend of Maitreya Buddha – Bodhisattvas have been waiting for thousands of years for the descend of Maitreya Buddha – They know that it would be the time of the Great Salvation, by which their skills can be fully utilized – They also know that Maitreya Buddha will bring Heaven into this world by which the sufferings of the people will be over

Conclusion Bodhisattvas are high achieved spiritual beings with great enlightenment, capacities, and compassion They worked tirelessly for the salvation of the people and they take on sufferings and Karmic debts for the people A true Bodhisattva would harmonize with the teaching of Tao and quickly join the rank of Divine Mission (which is what they have been praying for)

Questions?