The topic of bodhimind is not new to us. This time ’round, however, our exploration of bodhimind (bodhichitta) is under the consideration of conscientiousness which, itself, has been within the scope of confidence. “Have confidence in your own state.”
This gift from Gareb Dorje was giving about 2000 years ago to those of the most sublime, good fortune in having the capacity of consciousness to realize the union of emptiness–compassion–awareness. Yet, like all statements given to us by bodhisattvas and buddhas, such statements can be used by any being at any stage of the Path for contemplation, instruction, and utilization for benefiting others and oneself.
In the truest sense, Gareb Dorje’s statement is a reminder that one’s true, natural state is pure awakeness replete with all powers of compassion and omniscience. It is this abiding truth of Being that we are to have confidence in, i. e. that one is already fully awakened. For those who don’t yet have such confidence in essence of being, this statement is an encouragement to recognize that any state of emotion, mind, or sensation is, in point of fact, an expression of Being. Our human challenge is that habits of consciousness, which are ever predicated on limitation, obscure the natural state like clouds obscure the sun.
So, we come back to bodhimind; and did so this morning with several synonyms related to this word and it’s meaning. The synonyms are familiar to us all and worthy of our exploration.
