The bodhisattva path involves a training of our hearts to abandon unskillful states and cultivate qualities of love, compassion, and forgiveness--and envision actions to transform the suffering of others and the world. In the Rwandan genocide and the triumph of freedom and democracy in South Africa we see the suffering that comes from cultivating fear and hatred, and the potential for freedom and peace that results from cultivating forgiveness, compassion, and love. These recent events remind us how much our actions matter, and invite us to become bodhisattvas, committed to the awakening and freedom of all beings.

In the context of connecting inner and outer transformation, we explore how to train to be wise and skillful in using views, concepts, and theories.

We look at one of the primary training areas of a Bodhisattva, one who connects inner practice and helping others ethical practice. We consider an expansive understanding of the five lay precepts, and the challenges of ethical practices.

In the context of a unit to Occupy Oakland, reflections on the importance for our times of developing our lives to connect inner and outer transformation, and of the inspiration to be bodhisattvas.

Bodhisattvas are compassionate beings who transmute the suffering of the world. Here are some tools and reflections on how to be a Stealth Bodhisattva in your work and your life.

The chapter we'll be exploring is Awareness, what Pema Chodron calls Using Our Intelligence. It has also been translated as Carefulness. The theme is how we can use wise attention to prevent us from getting caught in afflictive emotions (kilesas or kleshas). Even when we know better we may still find ourselves going down a road of action we will later regret. This chapter is how as bodhisattvas we deepen our commitment to refrain from unskillful action.

Part 3 of Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. Commitment. Just what are we committing to when we decide to become bodhisattvas. One stanza from this chapter is as follows: “For all those ailing in the world, Until every sickness has been healed, May I myself become for them The doctor nurse, the medicine itself.”

We are not practicing for ourselves alone. Everyone benefits from the fruits of our practice. This talk explores how to actively and skillfully express our compassion, held with equanimity, in the world.