{"id":781,"date":"2012-12-29T13:28:07","date_gmt":"2012-12-29T13:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/?p=781"},"modified":"2012-12-29T13:28:07","modified_gmt":"2012-12-29T13:28:07","slug":"cosmic-responsibility-is-your-liberation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/2012\/12\/29\/cosmic-responsibility-is-your-liberation\/","title":{"rendered":"Cosmic Responsibility is Your Liberation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Zen<\/a>

Zen Stones<\/p><\/div>\n

As mentioned by Diane in the previous post, although painful conditions arise, the power of mindful awareness can reignite the flame, transforming oppressive circumstances into liberation. \u00a0For Buddhists, this embracing of liberation is more clearly explained by the term, “nirvana.” Unconditioned nirvana means being free from any kind of impermanence; being at peace, or free from any kind of suffering; and feeling \u00a0secure, or free from from any kind of self-estrangement within.<\/p>\n

An interesting nuance about the nature of our \u201cpractice,\u201d however, has to do with the terms of how to attain this liberation or “nirvana.” \u00a0Thich Nhat Hanh describes it by emphasizing that \u201cthe heart of the Buddha is in each of us. When we are mindful, the Buddha is there.” In other words, one of the key aspects of our \u201cpractice\u201d in life is to find our \u201cBuddha nature.\u201d \u00a0But the other aspect of liberation to be attained by our practice is also described as being a bodhisattva<\/i>. The work of the bodhisattva figure is defined\u00a0by Shantideva as the one who practice \u201cin the middle of the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Cosmic<\/a>

Cosmic Awareness<\/p><\/div>\n

Pema Chodron describes the bodhisattvas as those who \u201center into the suffering of the world; it also means they stay steady with the fire of their own painful emotions.\u201d Chodron says our work in the world is to \u201copen your heart in an inconceivably big way, in that limitless way that benefits everyone you encounter.\u201d\u00a0 Attaining our liberation means taking a position of active engagement as we face the suffering of the world, and finding the terms of ultimate liberation for all beings.<\/p>\n

By touching the Buddha within and practicing the way of the bodhisattva our liberation is ultimately linked to the liberation of all beings.<\/p>\n

Take a moment now to connect with this source of joy and peace. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n