The Duties of a Bodhisattva and the Kleshas

When afflictions arise in the mind, we must quietly watch them, observe them, and investigate where they manifest from, what their source is, and why this affliction has manifested. Then, analyze the cause of the affliction's manifestation and resolve that cause. The mind should continuously ponder that cause, then analyze whether that cause is worth giving rise to affliction over, what the consequences of giving rise to these afflictions are, and how much they actually solve. Then, recall how many afflictions we have experienced from childhood until now, how those afflictions were resolved, how they vanished, and what their ultimate outcomes were. Further, contemplate how many afflictions and sufferings we have endured through countless kalpas over past lives; those sufferings and afflictions are our karmic retribution, which passes once exhausted. The afflictions of this present life are the same—no matter what, they will pass. Why not view these afflictions correctly, unravel the knots in the heart, and resolve them according to the Dharma.

We must contemplate that every one of us who learns the Buddha's teachings is a Bodhisattva. The duty of a Bodhisattva is to widely practice the Bodhisattva Path; therefore, we cannot constantly immerse ourselves in the petty afflictions of the small self. We must expand the capacity of our minds and look towards the future. Our future lies in practicing the Bodhisattva Path extensively throughout countless kalpas, in the Buddha-lands of the ten directions, widely liberating immeasurable beings. A Bodhisattva's mind should not harbor personal afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion. It should only contain the refined afflictions arising from the desire to attain higher realization in the Dharma, only the afflictions arising from contemplating how to better teach and transform sentient beings, and only the afflictions arising from contemplating how to ensure the eternal continuity of the true Dharma. As long as the mind constantly dwells on the future practice of the Bodhisattva Path in lives to come, it will not be bound by the minor afflictions of the present moment; the mind's capacity will expand, and the heart will become open and joyful. Looking towards the future is of utmost importance!