ARIZONA RETREAT CENTER

The Bodhisattva Ideal

The Bodhisattva Ideal is not a new idea; it is an ancient method of transformation that leads to enlightenment. Brought to this world by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago, it is as powerful today as it was then.

It offers a path of benevolent action that transforms the world through the eyes of compassion, and lays out an ethical plan of caring for all beings. It is nothing less than revolutionary. It is nothing less than the powerful face of our primordial wisdom nature emerging triumphant in a difficult world.

Over the years at KPC, a steady stream of teachings and empowerments has provided the foundation for taking the Bodhisattva Vow with Jetsunma. Newly aspiring bodhisattvas then train in catalyzing this awakening mind of compassion through spiritual practices such as contemplation, prayer, and meditation designed to bring benefit to all beings.KPC offers the opportunity to take the Bodhisattva Vow with Jetsunma, as well as special teachings and empowerments at both the Maryland and Arizona centers."Genuine compassion is based on the rationale that all human beings have an innate desire to be happy and overcome suffering, just like myself. And, just like myself, they have the natural right to fulfill this fundamental aspiration. On the basis of the recognition of this equality and commonality, you develop a sense of affinity with others. With this as a foundation, you can feel compassion regardless of whether you view the other person as a friend or an enemy. It is based on the other’s fundamental rights rather than your own mental projection. Upon this basis, then, you will generate love and compassion. That’s genuine compassion." -The 5th Dali Lama

"The Bodhisattva is like the mightiest of warriors; But his enemies are not common flesh and bone. His fight is with inner delusions, the afflictions of self-cherishing and ego-grasping, those most terrible of demons That catch living beings in the snare of confusion And cause them forever to wander in pain, frustration and sorrow. His mission is to harm ignorance and delusion, never living beings. These he looks upon with kindness, patience and empathy Cherishing them like a mother cherishes her only child. He is a real hero, calmly facing any hardship In order to bring happiness and liberation to the world." -The 13th Dali Lama