YEAR OF ZEN: WINTER: DAY 17

The Milky Way, NASA/JPL-Caltech/S. Stolovy

Q: To make a “bodhisattva vow” is to acknowledge that your personal peace requires that all beings find peace. How would a vow like that change your life?

A: A bodhisattva vow in my life would be transformative in turning me completely (and mindfully) to a service-oriented position at all times. It is a place that I aspire to be whenever possible thought it is more reactive (how can I help you) than proactive. I think there are definitely personal improvements and habits I can continue to build that will lead me to a place where a bodhisattva vow seems less daunting and more realistic. And the best place to start is simply remembering that my suffering is inherently connected to the suffering of others.