Six Perfections and Bodhisattva activity
Series of Dharma night talks at the ABC
June is Buddhist Action Month within the Triratna community. To complement this initiative our current Monday theme is all about the Bodhisattva Ideal. Over the course of six weeks we'll remind ourselves of the six qualities that a Bodhisattva actively cultivates. We'll also address the question of who is a Bodhisattva, what makes them different from other Buddhists and where are they pointing with their practice of the Dharma. In doing this we'll also try to deepen our understanding of what the 'bodhicitta' might be referring to. On the last night we'll get introduced to the lives of a few impressive people who have influenced our Triratna Buddhist community and who might be Bodhisattvas themselves. We'll leave you to decide.
The Bodhisattva Ideal
In this first talk Ratnavyuha introduced the Bodhisattva Ideal, exploring how one could be so deeply concerned about the wellbeing of others that one naturally and spontaneously acts for their benefit, not one’s own.
Living from the Bodhi heart
In the second week Natalie Grace talked about the first two perfections or paramitas which are dana/generosity and sila/ethics. These encompass the practical and altruistic aspects of the Bodhisattva’s daily life and activity. Through deepening our awareness and practice of both we can develop greater reverence for life, more skilful actions, open handed generosity, wisdom and compassion for all beings.
Patience and energy in pursuit of the good
On this week Erica Law explored ksanti (patience, forbearance) and virya (diligence, energy in pursuit of the good), the receptive and dynamic aspects of the spiritual life, and what they might mean in the context of our own lives on the spiritual path.
Higher consciousness and wisdom
On this evening Akampiya talked about the fruition of the Dharma life and the fifth and sixth paramitas or perfections of dhyana (meditation) and prajna (wisdom).
Arising of the Bodhicitta
On the fifth evening of this theme Ratnavuyha talked about how our understanding of the six perfections helps point us in the direction of the Bodhicitta.
Celebrating modern day Bodhisattvas
On the final evening we considered some modern day dharmafarers who might or might not be bodhisattvas. Ratnavyuha began by reflecting on our founder, Bhante Sangharakshita, and what he has done with his life. This was followed by Sujiva who introduced us to the life of Dr. Ambedkar, the civil rights leader who led mass conversions to Buddhism of ex-untouchables out of the Hindu caste system.
Go here for more Dharma talks from the Auckland Buddhist Centre