Theos-Talk Archives (April 1999 Message tt00022)

Interesting mail
We may all have ideas about what a bodhisattva might be
But what is a "a candy striper volunteer"?  
That is a real puzzle!
Tony

>Jerry & Peter re:  Liberation -- now or later.
>
>Another slant on  the question is given by a traditional Buddhist teaching
>about 3 kinds of bodhisattvas.  One motivation is called the King type,
>another the Captain and the third, the Shepard.   All three types are
>bodhisattvas -- that is the main point.  The comparative value, status or
>correctness of  each to the others is just our modern ego looking for an
>angle.  The King bodhisattva strives mightily to reach buddhahood a quickly
>as possible.  The ship Captain  will arrive at the other shore of buddhahood
>at the same time as his passengers.  The Shepard will wait until until all
>his flock have become buddhas before he will become one.  At first glance
>the Shepard seems "superior" to the King because of his sacrifice.  But
>which is greater, to help a  little (because the shepard has little
>spiritual power or wisdom) for a long time or to help greatly (because a
>King has vast spiritual power & wisdom) only after doing very little for
>others for a long time?   All bodhisattvas have the same compassionate
>motivation and desire.  Which is "better" -- to be a candy striper volunteer
>in a hospital today or to become a doctor 7 years from now?
>
>There have been and are today Buddhists of all three motivations  -- any one
>will do -- if it is done, that is.
>
>Best,
>
>Nicholas
>
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>
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