Fo Guang Shan Bodhi Class - Using Compassion to cultivate Body & Mind

During the Bodhi Class’s reading and discussion session on 13th December, BLIA board member Goa Hua Mei lead 4 class members to study Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s article “Compassion’s Benefits”.

Through analysing 4 gathas from the “Avatamsaka Sutra” that goes ‘Soft kind heart as the root, unexcelled compassion as the stem, leaves of merit and flowers of wisdom, upholding precepts as wondrous fragrance.’ Which are used in discussion with Bodhisattvas on how to cultivate one’s body and mind during daily activities. Meanings of the gathas are:

1. ‘Soft kind heart as the root’ – Regardless of what we do, being stubborn and head strong will easily lead to vexation and mental afflictions. Everything we express through action, speech and thoughts should not be upright and harsh. Softness and flexibility is the root of a compassionate heart.
2. ‘Unexcelled compassion as the stem’ – Use a lovingly kind and compassionate mind to cultivate our wholesome roots. Loving kindness is giving others happiness. Compassion is removing other’s suffering. So we should learn how to sooth other’s pain and give them joy.
3. ‘Leaves of merit and flowers of wisdom’ – Widely create good affinity with others. Let others have the glory in order to expand the purpose of life. If we can rejoice at other’s fortune, it will make our merits more solemn and dignified.
4. ‘Upholding precepts as wondrous fragrance’ – Understanding upholding precepts and obeying the law is life’s most important lesson. Upholding precepts isn’t oppressive; instead it will allow us and others more freedom and right to mutually exist.

In the sutra, all the Bodhisattvas agreed that using metaphors of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fragrance to represent compassion, merits, wisdom, and upholding precepts are best kinds of guidance for everyone to cultivate while living in the world. Furthermore, this will aid the improvement of Prajna wisdom.