The Duties of a Bodhisattva and the Kleshas

When afflictions arise in the mind, we must calmly observe them, investigate them, and seek to understand where they manifest from, what their source is, and why they arise. Then, we should analyze the cause of these afflictions and resolve that cause. Continuously reflect on that cause, and then evaluate whether it is worth generating afflictions over, what the consequences of giving rise to these afflictions are, and how much they actually solve. Next, recall how many afflictions we have experienced from childhood until now, how those afflictions were resolved, how they vanished, and what their ultimate outcomes were. Then, contemplate how many afflictions and sufferings we have endured throughout our countless past lives over innumerable kalpas—all of which were our karmic retribution, which passed once the retribution was exhausted. The afflictions of this present life are likewise destined to pass, no matter what. So why not view them correctly, untangle the knots in our hearts, and resolve them in accordance with the Dharma.

We should contemplate that every Buddhist practitioner is a bodhisattva. The duty of a bodhisattva is to extensively practice the bodhisattva path, and thus one cannot remain immersed in the petty afflictions of the small self. We must expand our minds and look toward the future. Our future lies in practicing the bodhisattva path throughout innumerable kalpas, across the buddha-lands in the ten directions, widely delivering countless sentient beings. A bodhisattva’s mind should not harbor personal afflictions of greed, hatred, or delusion; it should only contain superior afflictions arising from the desire to attain higher realizations of the Dharma, only afflictions arising from how to better teach sentient beings, and only afflictions arising from how to ensure the eternal continuation of the true Dharma. As long as our minds constantly dwell on the future practice of the bodhisattva path, we will not be bound by the trivial afflictions before us. Our minds will expand, and our hearts will open with joy. Looking toward the future is of utmost importance!