“You become what you criticize. You become what you adore. Whatever you focus on grows in your experience.”

~Alan Cohen

THE VALUE OF BODHICITTA

In days of yore, an older master was traveling along a country road, followed by a disciple carrying his bags.

As they walked, they saw lands being ploughed while farmers and oxen were strained to the utmost. Countless worms and insects were killed in the process, and birds were swooping to eat them.

This led the disciple to wonder to himself, "How hard it is to make a living. I will cultivate with all my strength, become a Buddha and save all these creatures."

Immediately the Master, an Arhat able to read the thoughts of others, turned around and said,

"Let me have those heavy bags and I will follow you."

The disciple was puzzled but did as instructed and walked in front. As they continued on their way with the hot sun bearing down on them, dust swirling all around them, the road stretching endlessly in front, the disciple grew more and more tired.

It wasn't long before he thought to himself, "There are so many sentient beings and there is so much suffering, how can I possibly help them all? Perhaps I should try to help myself only."

Immediately, the Master behind him said, "Stop. Now you carry the bags and follow me."

The puzzled disciple did as told, knowing he was not supposed to ask questions. He took up the bags again and walked behind.

This sequence repeated itself several times. The Master walked in front with the disciple carrying the bags, then the disciple in front with the Master carrying the bags, back and forth, until they stopped for lunch.

Then the disciple gathered his courage and asked the reason why.

The Master said, "When you had exalted thoughts of saving all sentient beings, you had the Bodhi Mind, the mind of a Bodhisattva, and I as an Arhat had to follow you. But as soon as you had selfish thoughts, you were no longer a Bodhisattva, and being junior to me in years and cultivation, you had to carry my bags!"

 

"The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.”—Shakti Gawain

 

P.S: How I choose to light up the world today is in my hands…

How can I be a greater contribution to the world today ?

Thank you for visiting the TREASURE TROVE today.

Namaste,

Bhagya