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37 Practices of the Bodhisattva - Verse 35
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Ken McLeod continues his commentary on the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva with the 35th verse. Watch the other videos here.
35
When reactive emotions acquire momentum, it’s hard to make remedies work.
A person in attention wields remedies like weapons,
Crushing reactive emotions such as craving
As soon as they arise — this is the practice of a bodhisattva.
For more of Ken McLeod's teachings, visit Unfettered Mind.
I am noticing the structure of the 37 practices. They begin with a recognition that help is needed to become wise. Then there is getting the foundational pieces in place -- leaving home, finding a teacher, taking refuge. This is followed by work in ethical behavior and restraint, which takes a long time. Eventually we get to the verses about technical meditation practice, letting go, and resting in open awareness -- which are enabled by the more "foundational" practices that came earlier. The fruition of this is emptiness and a profound shift in perspective.
What follows? Verses on seeing through everyday conceit and practicing right speech! All that effort, and we are back to the rough-and-tumble world of human interaction, where we are once again charged with seeing and letting go of emotional reactions.
It is a complete circuit of the 8-fold path. But now we understand that freeing these patterns is simply done for itself, not for any reason of Self.
Of course, the linear view is just one view. These practices also develop in parallel.
I appreciate the wisdom of this, but practically, it's beyond my power.
As he says, one may fail 1000 times - that's why it's called practice....
Just attention, and re-attention, with forgiveness - and forgiveness - and forgiveness - for every "failing" - has been helpful to me.