Kunzang Palyul Choling 28 Years of Compassion, Refuge , Outreach KPC-DonorBook-Lowres | Página 5
W
hen I first heard
the phrase,
“Dedicated to
the liberation
and salvation of all sentient be-
ings,” I felt it was one of the most
potent and powerful statements
that one could make, to dedicate all of
one’s efforts to the liberation and salvation
of all sentient beings. In the beginning we hear it
as beautiful and meaningful, but eventually we
have to learn exactly what it means and define
the terms. At first we tend to think mostly of
our family and friends. For those of us who love
animals, we may include our pets in that number
and other animals that we favor. The real mean-
ing of that phrase goes far beyond that, to the
point that we understand the depth and breadth
of the condition of suffering on this planet and
have empathy for all creatures that live.
The Buddha teaches us that all sentient beings
are equal. Logically that would imply, first of all,
that we need to accumulate or attain this sense
of impartiality and equanimity. He also teaches
us that while all sentient beings are equal, there
are many more of them than there are of us.
There is one of me. If I were to profess concern for
others, I would have to take the comfort and well-
being of these other sentient beings over my own
because it’s pure and simple reason-
ableness. It is logical that the needs
of the many would outweigh the
needs of the one. When we travel to
other places what is the first thing
we notice? The differences. It’s hard
to remember that all sentient beings
are exactly equal. According to the
Buddha, in our nature we are the same. To
achieve the understanding of that must become a
way of life. It is a living path including whatever
formal practice people do, but also their ordinary
life. To get to the point where one refuses to leave
this world until it is a better place. To work for
the cessation of suffering.
Look at the world around you. To accomplish
the end of suffering is going to take some kind
of radical change. That starts with each one of
us holding the line on ethics, morality and love.
Saying where you are, these qualities will exist,
so that all sentient beings may be happy and free
of suffering. What if we as spiritual people, in our
interfacing with the world, took that on. What if
we took on that responsibility with joy, realizing
only good could come out of it?
Why is it so inconceivable that we could see the
end of hatred, bigotry and prejudice? Why can’t
we see that in this lifetime?
Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
From “Interfacing with Our World”