Gyalsey_Laglen_v2_24092014_e-book

The second unique way of thinking and practising for some Bodhisattvas is, “I
will never achieve enlightenment until all sentient beings become enlightened.”
Their attitude is, “Why should I get enlightened if beings are still suffering Why
should I think of being enlightened myself” Through their strong compassion
and love for all sentient beings, they make a promise, “May I not be enlightened
until all sentient beings are enlightened.” We call this the motivation of the
shepherd who finds a good safe place for their sheep, and then they relax.
This kind of Bodhisattva has a uniquely great degree of compassion and
loving kindness. The shepherd attitude or motivation is like Avalokiteshvara. His
compassion is so strong and so deep that he cannot think about being enlightened
before we achieve enlightenment; therefore, he is still a Bodhisattva, not yet a
Buddha.
The third motivation is that some Bodhisattvas want to be enlightened at the
same time as all sentient beings. They think, “I want to be enlightened with them,
not before them. May we all be enlightened at the same time.” This is called the
navigator attitude, like those who navigate a boat.
They see a typhoon or some danger, they would try their best to cross the
river with their passengers. They would never think that they should go first and
then lead the others, or that they should put all the passengers first and then go
without them. They want to cross the river together with the passengers. This
navigator motivation is like that of the Bodhisattva Manjushri which is also very
great.
Bodhisattva attitudes are always based on the concern for all sentient beings,
not for oneself. We must understand that our attitude does not conform with
theirs, which is concentrated on liberating all sentient beings.
Our common samsaric attitude is wrong because we always think of
ourselves. Whatever we do, we do for ourselves. Materialistically, in business, it is
understandable; but it is totally incorrect that even when we do spiritual practice,
we do it for ourselves rather than for others. We must acknowledge this incorrect
attitude in order to follow the Bodhisattva path.
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