14 Moons ~ Elijah Knox

All forms of suffering are like a child's death in a dream.
Holding illusory appearances to be true makes you weary.
Therefore, when you meet with disagreeable circumstances,
See them as illusory
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Though someone may deride and speak bad words about you
in a public gathering,
looking on him as a spiritual teacher,
bow to him with respect
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Even if a person for whom you have cared like your own child regards you as an enemy,
cherish him specially, like a mother does her child who is stricken with sickness
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas.

Even if someone broadcasts all kinds
of unpleasant remarks about you
throughout the three thousand worlds,
in return, with a loving mind,
speak of their good qualities
- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Though you lack what you need and are constantly disparaged,
Afflicted by dangerous sickness and spirits,
Without discouragement take on the misdeeds and the pain of all living beings
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

While the enemy of your own anger is not subdued
Though you conquer external foes, they will only increase.
Therefore with the militia of love and compassion, subdue your own mind
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Whatever appears is your own mind.
Your mind from the start is free from fabricated extremes.
Understanding this, do not take to mind [inherent] signs of subject and object
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

If an equal or inferior person
Disparages you out of pride,
Place him, as you would your spiritual teacher with respect on the crown of your head
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

When those who want enlightenment must give even their body,
There is no need to mention external things.
Therefore without hope of return or any fruition
Give generously
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

To Bodhisattvas who want a wealth of virtue
Those who harm are like a too precious treasure.
Therefore towards all cultivate patience without hostility
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

If you do not examine your errors,
You may look like a practitioner but not act as one.
Therefore, always examining your own errors,
Rid yourself of them
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Harsh words disturb the minds of others
And cause deterioration in a Bodhisattva's conduct.
Therefore give up harsh words which are unpleasant to others
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

All suffering comes from the wish for your own happiness.
Perfect Buddhas are born from the thought to help others.
Therefore exchange your own happiness for the suffering of others
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

When your mothers,
who have loved you since time without beginning,
Are suffering, what use is your own happiness?
Therefore to free limitless living beings,
Develop the altruistic intention
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Habitual disturbing emotions are hard to stop through counter actions.
Armed with antidotes, the guards of mindfulness and mental alertness
Destroy disturbing emotions like attachment at once, as soon as they arise
-- This is the practice of Bodhisattvas

Elijah Brooklyn Boger Bodhisattva Knox
March 31, 2003 ~ May 11, 2004
14 moons