In the Footsteps of the Buddha pilgrimages with Shantum Seth across India and South Asia. Other spiritual journeys that transform. Mindful travel.
37 Practices of the Bodhisattva - Verse 13
This post contains audio, video, or images. View media now
Ken McLeod continues his commentary on the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva with the thirteenth verse. Watch the other videos here.
13
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 evil into you — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
How is it that control (or rather, the fantasy of control) indicates a lack of freedom?
For more of Ken McLeod's teachings, visit Unfettered Mind.
When I am trying to control, I am not allowing myself to be with my present experience. Perhaps it is a strong reaction or feeling I am afraid of or trying to avoid; sometimes out of habit or training & sometimes because I think I will be overwhelmed. Sometimes I can allow myself to turn, face & be with the present moment of arising thoughts, feelings & sensations without shoving them down or on the other hand turning them into a bigger drama, or wanting to be right or whatever my current ego state might want. During traumatic events through out my life, I have often needed a wise guide to assist in this process. When I let go of trying to control (which is a protection my ego has created to try to save me from what is perceived to be out of control ie death or non-existence of my ego) then I find I am relaxed, more open & present. I am not bound then by the puppet strings of the demands of ego. Thanks Ken for giving me the opportunity to explore this process.
This is a profound challenge and I appreciate it very much. It's just what I need to be working on. Thank you.