A popular insight about the power of me, mine - the associated worry and anxiety…
I cherish myself and habitually grasp for more happiness. The equation attracts more misfortune as I set myself up for permanent solace in a world of impermanence. Is there a source of true happiness?
The Bodhicitta impulse is to focus on helping others as a method for generating the energy for personal transformation. Compassionate concern for others distracts us from our own self obsession, at least for a little while, opening space in our minds for moving from petty self to universal character. Our small concerns become less important as we daily train to develop this calm wisdom. This is not a religious dogma or sentimental emotion rather an experienced personal growth from me,mine to all of us.
The key is the daily progression and doing the little we can from the place of skill and wisdom we have developed. This is not a ”once I get my Rimpoche Lama certification” next phase. We begin and continue from the first moment of acceptance and committment to the bodhicitta impulse. Start simply, dedicated to overcoming self-cherishing. We are not negating ourselves – only stepping away from self obsession.
And what is a good first pushup for developing strength? Equanimity. To see those we love, those close at hand, those in the indifferent circle around us, those in conflict with us, as all equally within the circle of compassion. And having the wisdom to not imagine or act more than the capacity we have developed. This is an exercise for developing personal strength not for jumping in to save everyone.
The world change comes from everyone turning to see and live in this manner, not in one person’s apparent enlightened crusade to fix everyone. I can be a voice for compassion and an example of equanimity. This impulse will change me. This is the small piece of enlightenment.
