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**Gremlinn** · 03-19-2012, 04:49 AM

First of all, I don't think the Bodhisattva vow is about "saving" anyone.

The idea of 'saving' is fundamental to the idea of the Bodhisattva.

And now as long as space endures,
As long as there are beings to be found,
May I continue likewise to remain
To drive away the sorrows of the world

The Way of The Bodhisattva 10:55 by Shantideva.

As you are well aware, there is no omnipotent God in Buddhism that can save anyone You can 'save' yourself.

and Buddhism doesn't really think anyone need to be "saved." They just need to be "awoken." Awoken, saved, enlightened, encouraged, helped ...

I am objecting to the word "save" because in English's religious context, "save" has a connotation of salvation, with its implication of "original sin" which is totally incompatible with Buddhism. Perhaps that is something you need to deal with.

The point you miss is 'motivation'. The motivation for a Bodhisattva is that others need to some assistance towards enlightenment and to that end Bodhisattvas elect to remain in samsara to further than end.

Second, there are 16 Bodhisattva vows within the Tibetan Tradition and 46 secondary vows - none of which could be associated with the word 'evangelism'.

Please don't fall for the American version of Buddhism.

03-19-2012, 04:49 AM	#6
Gremlinn Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 536 Senior Member	First of all, I don't think the Bodhisattva vow is about "saving" anyone. The idea of 'saving' is fundamental to the idea of the Bodhisattva. And now as long as space endures, As long as there are beings to be found, May I continue likewise to remain To drive away the sorrows of the world The Way of The Bodhisattva 10:55 by Shantideva. As you are well aware, there is no omnipotent God in Buddhism that can save anyone You can 'save' yourself. and Buddhism doesn't really think anyone need to be "saved." They just need to be "awoken." Awoken, saved, enlightened, encouraged, helped ... I am objecting to the word "save" because in English's religious context, "save" has a connotation of salvation, with its implication of "original sin" which is totally incompatible with Buddhism. Perhaps that is something you need to deal with. The point you miss is 'motivation'. The motivation for a Bodhisattva is that others need to some assistance towards enlightenment and to that end Bodhisattvas elect to remain in samsara to further than end. Second, there are 16 Bodhisattva vows within the Tibetan Tradition and 46 secondary vows - none of which could be associated with the word 'evangelism'. Please don't fall for the American version of Buddhism.
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