Becoming a Bodhisattva

Presenter: Robert Tomic

Wed 16 March | 7-8.30pm

Online: links provided below

Cost: Free

Part One: the Preliminaries to Bodhichitta (16 March)

In part one of a two-part talk on becoming a Bodhisattva, we will see what foundations are needed to follow the path to enlightenment.

By using the Buddha’s teachings, we can easily make sense of what is going around us in this world, and by applying the Buddha’s teachings as a compass we can navigate through confusion, rejection, and isolation. The Buddha teaches us to find meaning and true human purpose in the midst of disorientating worldly pursuits; as a result, we can apply this life to its maximum potential by learning what we need to adopt and what we need to abandon.

In part one we will see how following the guidance from a spiritual friend will help us along the path to enlightenment as they give us pointing out instructions. Moreover, we will see that renunciation is the path for all spiritual life and it is here, at this crossroad, that we have to decide if we wish to achieve enlightenment for ourselves or for others. The Mahayana path starts the moment we choose to liberate everyone from the fear of suffering. How we go about this, and why the Mahayana path continues further on will be explained within the context of the unique qualities of Tibetan Buddhism.

Part Two: Engaging in Bodhichitta (Date TBA)

Buddhism clearly explains to us that the root of all suffering is self-cherishing, so to be selfless implies we are striving to be happy. In a world were competitiveness, self-importance, and aggression, are all seen as ideal traits – and even admired and imitated, the act of compassion and loving kindness stand out as something foreign and weak.

In part two on the talk about becoming a bodhisattva, we will see how compassion is far from being weak and passive; the fact is that it takes great courage and strength to be kind and caring. How can we be kind to people who don’t care about us? Why is it important to think of others in the same way we think of ourselves? By understanding that bodhichitta is a direct antidote for our self-cherishing mind, and that the merit we accumulate from one moment of enlightened thought is incredibly vast, the benefits of possessing bodhichitta becomes a wish fulfilling jewel both for ourselves and others. So here is the practical reality of possessing a precious human rebirth that we have right now, who would be foolish to throw away this jewel of potential on worldly causes of suffering?

Far from being an abstract concept, bodhichitta is something that can be studied and taught, and it can be integrated into our lives so that everything we do keeps us on the path of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who are always working for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. As Shantideva says, “except for perfect bodhichitta, there is nothing able to withstand the great and overwhelming strength of evil.” It’s time to live up to our full potential.

The date for Part Two of this course will advised at a later stage.

About the Speaker: Robert Tomic has been practically involved with Tibetan Buddhism for the past twenty three years, wherein he has received teachings and empowerments from all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, both in Australia and overseas. For nine and half years Robert has taught (introductory level) Tibetan Buddhism to any and all, whether in people’s homes or in a class room setting, who are genuinely interested to learn and apply the unique fundamental steps that can undo the confusion of living in a seemingly contradictory world. Tibetan Buddhism, even in its simplest form, has the ability to change us into pro-active participants who clearly understand how precious this life is and how fulfilling it can become.

Login details: If you would like to join our session, just click on this link to access the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83506489824?pwd=cmpNQ1ljSmFVYURLWVN1dWllYUN1dz09 Alternatively, you can dial in from your telephone (call charges apply): +61 2 8015 6011

Meeting ID: 835 0648 9824| Passcode: 718905