How does the idea of Bodhisatva in Mahayana mesh with anattā?
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*As this is my first posted question, I welcome input as to how to improve it. Many thanks in advance.*
When I have heard Mahayana practitioners discuss the concept of Bodhisatva as it varies from Theravadan teachings, it's spoken of as a mark *against* Theravada. It's suggested that Theravada lacks compassion for others, and that the Bodhisatva ideal "repairs" this lack of compassion.
When I consider this idea, I can't escape the feeling that the concept of a Bodhisatva ("me") helping "others" seems contrary to the idea of anattā. The idea that I would focus on self-ness (either my own or that of another) seems like a mistaken view. Instead, when I think of suffering, I think that, "there is suffering," not that "I am suffering" or "they are suffering." As such, the Bodhisatva concept seems to guide my thinking away from what I believe is Buddha's teacing of correct understanding.
As to lack of compassion... my thinking is that the work I do in my practice is meant to reduce suffering. Not to reduce *my* suffering and ignore that of others, but to reduce suffering itself.
**And so my question is this:** Am I understanding the pieces of this correctly? I realize some here adhere to different parts of this issue, and I appreciate feedback from both sides. Perhaps someone can explain how they think of the idea of "no-self" as it related to the Bodhisatva idea?
Asked by user4749
Jun 18, 2015, 01:23 PM
Last activity: Jun 18, 2015, 09:47 PM
Last activity: Jun 18, 2015, 09:47 PM