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**jyhugikuhih** · 04-24-2011, 08:35 AM

Hi, Peace. I think fojiao2 got you off to a good start. It's fairly simple, really. Yes, we aim to advance enough in this lifetime that we reach Enlightenment and therefore escape the cycle of involuntary rebirth. The lamas (and countless others, who don't happen to wear lamas' garb) choose to return, in order to bring Enlightenment to more people, and end suffering for as many as possible. They've taken the bodhisattva vow, so they've vowed to return until all suffering has ended. The Mahayana may be called "idealistic", but it is also noble and compassionate. One doesn't suffer just because others are suffering. If you're speaking of a bodhisattva who has returned to serve others, then you're talking about an Enlightened being, who maintains equanimity in the face of great suffering.

Are you studying with a teacher? Yours are very good questions for your teacher. Do you have access to a sangha?

04-24-2011, 08:35 AM	#23
jyhugikuhih Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 452 Senior Member	Hi, Peace. I think fojiao2 got you off to a good start. It's fairly simple, really. Yes, we aim to advance enough in this lifetime that we reach Enlightenment and therefore escape the cycle of involuntary rebirth. The lamas (and countless others, who don't happen to wear lamas' garb) choose to return, in order to bring Enlightenment to more people, and end suffering for as many as possible. They've taken the bodhisattva vow, so they've vowed to return until all suffering has ended. The Mahayana may be called "idealistic", but it is also noble and compassionate. One doesn't suffer just because others are suffering. If you're speaking of a bodhisattva who has returned to serve others, then you're talking about an Enlightened being, who maintains equanimity in the face of great suffering. Are you studying with a teacher? Yours are very good questions for your teacher. Do you have access to a sangha?
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