Your Liberation is Bound Up with Mine

Bodhisattva means awakening being: In process of awakening, awakening others, and cultivating his own awakening. It is commonly thought that the Bodhisattva postpones his full enlightenment until all beings have become enlightened. Or, he is already fully enlightened but devotes his energies to others’ awakening rather than refining his own. These seemed dualistic, a bit self-conscious and patronizing, and potentially co-dependent. We all awaken together. What benefits you most deeply benefits me. When I blossom you enjoy the fruits.

Some years ago, I heard this quote about helping from Lila Watson, Aboriginal elder, activist and educator.

“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

It is joyful to work together to build peace, freedom, and justice. As we do, we are expressing the realization that we are in this together and time is short. In today’s toxic environment, we have AOC, Greta Thunberg and millions of others around the world to remind us and demonstrate that solidarity is joyful. Our subversive, not always fully enlightened “mischief” is not just the means to an end —it is an expression of the Bodhisattva ‘s heart.

Joseph Bobrow | January 30, 2020 | Valleyheart, CA