In Buddhism, the concept of a Bodhisattva embodies the ideal of ultimate compassion, where an individual seeks to attain enlightenment not only for themselves, but also to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings. The teachings advocate for a profound understanding of others' pain and an ongoing commitment to make a difference in the world, no matter how large or small.

In our contemporary world, the Bodhisattva's philosophy aligns perfectly with the call for greater empathy and presence. We live in a time of growing disconnect and self-absorption, where the focus on individual success often eclipses the suffering of others. It's easy to lose sight of the people around us, of their unique lives and struggles. But the Bodhisattva asks us to attune to these needs, to become deeply aware of the humanity that surrounds us, and to extend our hand in empathy and assistance.

There's a large immigrant population in New York City, many of whom speak little English. I often encounter these individuals in the subway, and I know many of them are living in cramped apartments, working long hours at low-paying jobs, and struggling to make ends meet. I often see them counting out dollar bills to feed into the machine to add some money to their MetroCard for a subway ride. On many occasions, I've called out to these people, saying, “Hey!” Once I got their attention, I swipe my MetroCard, point at the turnstile, and say, “Go!” I'm happy to do whatever I can if it makes someone's life easier.

Little acts of kindness, such as swiping a MetroCard for someone who cannot afford a ride, are embodiments of the Bodhisattva spirit. These seemingly minor gestures can make a significant difference to the recipient, affirming their dignity and offering them a moment of respite from their hardships. These small acts of generosity are instances of becoming more present in the world, of actively participating in the alleviation of suffering.

The concern of a Bodhisattva extends beyond humanity, reaching out to all sentient beings, including animals. The plight of shelter dogs, anxious and abandoned, presents an avenue through which the compassionate spirit of the Bodhisattva can be channeled.

These dogs suffer terribly, confined to their pens for weeks, months, and in some instances, years. Many become incredibly depressed and live in fear that they, too, will meet the same fate as countless dogs before them.

Choosing to adopt and provide a loving home for these animals is not merely an act of rescue. Instead, it reflects the interconnectedness that binds all life forms together. By assuming responsibility for these animals' well-being, we honor the Bodhisattva within us and further the cause of compassion and empathy. Moreover, by adopting a dog, you could potentially be saving its life!

I've shared just two of many examples. Pause and reflect upon the difference you can be making for other people, animals and planet Earth.

It’s disheartening to observe how unaware, misinformed, and apathetic many individuals are about the realities affecting us all. I hear comments from people who say things like, “I don't pay attention to the news because it's so depressing, and I can't do anything about it.”

As members of a community, we have a responsibility to contribute in a meaningful way. This could be as simple as actively participating in local events, volunteering, or being politically engaged. When we fail to show up, pay attention, and participate, we neglect these responsibilities, which hinders not only our own growth and well-being but also that of our communities.

The planet we inhabit cannot sustain our current rate of consumption. We are polluting the Earth with the toxic waste we generate, and we are rapidly running out of space to accommodate the enormous amount of waste being discarded. We are witnessing a concerning increase in global temperatures, which contributes to an increased frequency of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Despite these clear signals, many people remain in denial or are entirely oblivious to the damage that is being done. This disengagement makes us more likely to unwittingly contribute to environmental damage.

Being present means increasing your capacity for empathy. You feel your connection to the Earth in ways that make you more aware of your impact on the environment and all forms of life. You feel pain when you witness the destruction of the Earth and harm to living beings, whether human, animal, or other forms of life. When you're fully present, you're more likely to recognize the value of sustainable living and take steps to reduce your consumption and carbon footprint.

In today's interconnected world, being fully present also means acknowledging and responding to global issues. This could involve supporting humanitarian causes, being aware of the impact of our consumption habits on global economies or working towards promoting equality and justice. Being absent in these areas makes us passive observers rather than active participants in shaping a better world.

Whether it's in our workplaces, families, or social circles, we all have the potential to effect positive change. But this requires us to become more fully present and engaged. It involves recognizing issues, coming up with creative solutions, and taking the initiative to implement them. To the extent that you’re disengaged, you’re missing out on these opportunities to make a difference.

Being fully present is a matter of personal integrity. It means living in alignment with your core values, making conscious choices, and taking responsibility for your actions. When you fail to show up fully present, you're not living up to your full potential, and that can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment.

Embodying the Bodhisattva ultimately means recognizing your capacity and responsibility to influence not just your own life, but the world at large. It calls for active creation of your own experiences and contributing to those of others. When we fail to show up fully present, we not only let ourselves down, but we also fall short of our potential to contribute positively to the world.

In essence, each of us has the ability and the responsibility to make a difference. The question is, how are you contributing?

The path of the Bodhisattva is one of constant presence and conscious action. Each one of us can contribute to making the world a better place by embodying these principles in our daily lives. The journey to becoming more fully present is a lifelong commitment, but each act of kindness, each moment of understanding, each decision made out of love rather than self-interest, brings us closer to becoming an embodiment of the Bodhisattva.

The call to make a difference in the world is not an external demand, but a manifestation of our innermost desire for a more compassionate world. As we embody the spirit of the Bodhisattva, we contribute to the shared project of alleviating suffering, starting from our immediate surroundings to the larger world.

The opportunity to make a difference is always present. In every moment, we can choose compassion over indifference, love over apathy, and presence over absence. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a step towards a more compassionate world and a more fulfilling existence.

©Copyright 2023 Ben Oofana. All Rights Reserved.

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