Summary: Episode Description: In this first part of the final session, John offers a brief summary of the seminar so far. Self-compassion, which is better understood as renunciation, begins the bodhisattva practice. Renunciation is the recognition that your way of life is not working, and the subsequent deep aspiration to be free from suffering. A bodhisattva also recollects the preciousness and purpose of this human life, reflects on death and impermanence, and takes refuge. Other important practices on the bodhisattva path include the recognition of kleshas, or negative mental states, as well as the skillful use of kleshas, the practice of mindfulness, which is being aware of what you are doing and how you are doing it, seeking to be of benefit and to minimize harm, avoiding the eight worldly concerns, and to be a joyous and wise servant of sentient beings. Indeed, a bodhisattva should, according to Shantideva, "always look directly at sentient beings, as if drinking them in." Of course, John reminds us, all of these practices and attitudes are part of a context, the bodhisattva story, and a bodhisattva will skillfully use this story to eventually move beyond the need for any stories. Following this summary, John addresses several questions from program participants. Finally, John segues into a discussion of wisdom, which is critical on the bodhisattva path in order to maximally help sentient beings. For Series description and Teacher BIO, please visit Part 1a. To access the entire series, please click on the link below: The Way of a Bodhisattva Series: All 6 Parts
