To: K-list
Recieved: 1999/09/09 16:22
Subject: Re: [K-list] Sex or Celibacy/Bodhichitta
From: Kungajigme

In a message dated 9/9/99 2:51:08 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
****ATnospamtwsuvm.uc.twsu.edu writes:

<< I have been wondering if anyone on the list has found good methods for
working with the heart chakra and increasing this capacity for wide,
encompassing love? For me it seems the things you and El described work
best: loving service to others. >>

If I'm understanding correctly this is what Buddhism calls Bodhichitta: the
altruistic mind of enlightenment, the foundation of the Mahayana path.

Selfless service is indeed one of the most effective ways of cultivating
bodhichitta. The process of "exchanging self for others" is also effective.
This is covered in Shantideva's The Way of the Bodhisattva
(Bodhicharyavatara). There are several good editions of this book currently
in print. HH Dalai Lama's A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night is an
excellent commentary upon Shantideva's verses. In fact this is one of His
Holiness' favorite topics.

Also recommended would be any text covering the practice of Tonglen: giving
and receiving. This is a meditive exercise in which you visualize yourself
taking in the pollutants of the world, absorbing and transforming them.
Sogyal Rinpoche wrote a very nice, concise, version of this practice for a
copy of Tricycle magazine a while back. He may have also detailed the
practice in his Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Personally, I like
Chogyam Trungpa's Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness.

In the Vajrayana system the embodiment of Bodhichitta is Avolokiteshwara
(Chenrezig in Tibetan). Meditation on Chenrezig is very helpful for
generating/developing bodhichitta. I find it an especially helpful way to
start the day! Traditionally one would want to have an empowerment from a
qualified teacher before beginning practice.

Finally, there is The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas by Geshe Sonam Rinchen.
>From it I quote:

When those who want enlightenment must give even their body,
There's no need to mention external things.
Therefore without hope for return or any fruition
Give generously --
 This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Sarva Mangalam!
James

May whatever virtue this writing may accrue benefit all sentient beings!

DISCLAIMER!

---

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