Part 28-2
“Why? Subhuti, it is because Bodhisattvas do not receive any blessing.” Subhuti said to the Buddha, “Why don’t Bodhisattvas receive blessings?” The Buddha said, “Subhuti, the blessing produced by Bodhisattvas is not an object of greed and attachment; therefore it is said they do not receive blessing.”
Commentary:
The true blessing discussed in Buddhism signifies enlightenment. So, the blessing produced by Bodhisattvas means unexcelled complete perfect enlightenment. Attaining enlightenment means to realise that everything is one as the true-Self, Emptiness. So, after attaining enlightenment, we become aware not only that there is nothing to receive, or to grant, but that there is no one who gives, or receives because everything is one as Emptiness. This is why ancient masters would say that even if there is enlightenment to attain before getting enlightenment, there is no enlightenment to attain after getting enlightenment.
What can be given and taken is not true blessing but just an illusion.
True blessing is that we become blessing itself. This is why the Buddha said that the blessing produced by Bodhisattvas is not an object of greed and attachment.
Student: “Why don’t Bodhisattvas receive the blessing produced by them?”
Master: “Because it is not what can be given, or received”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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