The Way of the Bodhisattva
Those who harm me rise against me— It’s my karma that has summoned them. And if through this these beings go to hell, Is it not I who bring their ruin?
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
Suffering also has its worth. Through sorrow, pride is driven out And pity felt for those who wander in saṃsāra; Evil is avoided; goodness seems delightful.
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
No one is there, all in all, Who, being angry, lives at ease.
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
The mind is not identical with the defilement and distraction that beset and usually overwhelm it, and thus it may be freed from them; it is capable of growth and improvement and may be trained.
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
If I repay them harm for harm, Indeed they’ll not be saved thereby. My conduct will in turn be marred,
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
Never thinking, “Now I will be angry,” People are impulsively caught up in anger. Irritation, likewise, comes Though never plans to be experienced!
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
The flame, in fact, can never light itself. And why? Because the darkness never dims it! “The blueness of a thing by nature blue,” you say, “Depends, unlike a crystal, upon nothing else.
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
If those who are like wanton children Are by nature prone to injure others, There’s no reason for our rage; It’s like resenting fire for being hot.
Śāntideva • The Way of the Bodhisattva
When sorrows fall upon the wise, Their minds should be serene and undisturbed. For in their war against defiled emotion, Many are the hardships, as in every battle.