Reflections on Silver River

too, the freedom embodied by Avalokiteshvara, the freedom of Great Compassion.

When you know that there is nothing but this experience called life, there is nothing to do but embrace it in all its complexity and simplicity, with all its joy and pain. When you understand why and how everyone struggles in life, your only wish is that they find freedom,

When you are down and out, held in contempt, Desperately ill and emotionally crazed, Don’t lose heart. Take into you The suffering and negativity of all beings — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Even if your peers or those below you Put you down to make themselves look better, Treat them respectfully as if they were your teacher: Put them above you — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Even if a person you have cared for as your own child Treats you as her worst enemy, Lavish her with loving attention Like a mother caring for her ill child — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Even if someone humiliates you and denounces you In front of a crowd of people, Think of this person as your teacher And humbly honor him — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Even if someone broadcasts to the whole universe Slanderous and ugly rumors about you, Again and again, with an open and caring heart, Praise his or her abilities — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Even if you have done nothing wrong at all And someone still tries to take your head off, Spurred by compassion Take all his or her venom into you — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Forget about being good or bad. Bring attention to your life. Experience what is actually happening in you. Know what you are doing and how it affects others.