How do bodhisattvas help people ? Do they help people to be more enlightened ? Do they offer help in life ? Why do we need them ?
What is their range of help in our lives ?
Thanks for helping me to explore Buddhism.
Mike

Thanks a lot Jeeprs, much obligedjeeprs wrote:Well, you could answer in many ways. I daresay a lot of people would talk in terms of heroic tasks and selfless deeds, which is certainly true. But another answer would be, by doing what needs to be done, on behalf of anyone who needs help, at that time, and in that place.
The problem with romanticizing the Bodhisattva is that by picturing them as an exceptional being who is capable of superhuman acts of compassion, we may be creating a division between the Bodhisattva and our human nature, which doesn't seem so capable of such acts. This then becomes a way to actually negate the meaning of the Bodhisattva's intention.
I imagine there are people, like those who serve charities in war-zones, who do actually undertake what we would all consider heroic acts of compassion. But we can also emulate the Bodhisattva's way of life, simply by being helpful, considerate and compassionate to anyone we meet, in any circumstances. And without romancing the idea too much.
According to Walpola Rahula and Bhikkhu Bodhi, bodhisattvas are a valid path according to Theravada.Bohemian Seeker wrote:I am just wondering why boddhisattvas are not in Theravada, which emphasizes your own efforts only getting you to Nivarna. I mean, why did they delay going to nivarna ? To do practical charitable work, or to help us get enlightened when we ask their help in a supernatural way ? Maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick here.![]()
Thanks Will,Will wrote:Helpful people who have not taken a vow to bring to buddhahood all beings over countless lifetimes are only that, helpful people.
Bodhisattvas can do many ordinary helpful tasks, but their main focus is on encouraging the selfless nature of our minds to come forth and control our selfish tendencies.
Sounds like you're talking about the Mahasattvas...Bohemian Seeker wrote:Thanks Will,Will wrote:Helpful people who have not taken a vow to bring to buddhahood all beings over countless lifetimes are only that, helpful people.
Bodhisattvas can do many ordinary helpful tasks, but their main focus is on encouraging the selfless nature of our minds to come forth and control our selfish tendencies.
Aha, I see. They are physical people in samsara, who vow to stay in samsara in almost endless lifetimes till all beings are enlightened thru non-supernatural means, such as example and teaching, I guess. I dont know why, but I thought they were like gods in a highter realm inspiring us as we pray to and connect with them.
Maybe that is Tibetan, I dont know.
So anyone with the right motivation towards Buddahood can do it, I guess.
Best wishes
Mike
Joseph Campbell, Thou Art That: Transforming Religious Metaphor wrote:Half the people in the world think that the metaphors of their religious traditions, for example, are facts. And the other half contends that they are not facts at all. As a result we have people who consider themselves believers because they accept metaphors as facts, and we have others who classify themselves as atheists because they think religious metaphors are lies.
It's hardly Tibetan, at least not exclusively. Have you ever heard of Guan Yin/Kannon/Kwan Um/Quan Âm?Bohemian Seeker wrote:I dont know why, but I thought they were like gods in a highter realm inspiring us as we pray to and connect with them.
Maybe that is Tibetan, I dont know.
The lowest form of helper is the information provider, the good neighbour. A good or inspiring person. Most teachers, monks and practitioners try and provide this level of service.Bohemian Seeker wrote: How do bodhisattvas help people ? Do they help people to be more enlightened ? Do they offer help in life ? Why do we need them ?
What is their range of help in our lives ?
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