The Warrior Path – an awakened mind

One of my writing projects that I am currently working on is a ‘Retreat Diary’ from the week-long retreat I did back in April. Here is a short extract from it:

From Shantideva’s “The Way of the Bodhisattva”

Just as the awakened ones of the past
Aroused an awakened mind
And progressively established themselves
In the practices of the Bodhisattva,
So I too for the benefit of beings
Shall arouse an awakened mind
And progressively train myself in those practices.” 

I read Shantideva earlier in my journey with Buddhism. It felt incredibly difficult at the time – the words are simple and clear, but their meaning is so complex. The verse above is taken from a short piece written by Pema Chodron. It’s a wonderful piece of writing.

She talks about three ways to enter the warrior path:

1. like a monarch, taking care of our subjects
2. like the ferryman, we cross with people experiencing their pain as our own
3. like a shepherd, always putting the flock first

She talks of the need to smile at fear. Everywhere I look there is the need to connect with compassion, the compassion for others. Feeling into our heart mind and finding the compassion for others.

The wind howls along the banks of the River Mersey where we live. I find my moods affected by this. The teachings tell me that I should be able to get control of my mind. But it is difficult sometimes to feel in control as the mind thrashes around from idea to idea, and continues in an incredibly undisciplined and unstructured way. Sometimes it is good – as great ideas come from that state of mind. But sometimes there are structured things that need to be done, and being in this frame of mind doesn’t help to get things done.

My favourite expression at the moment – that’s a human condition.