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Practicing for All Beings: Non-Discrimination and the Bodhisattva Heart
Mahayāna distinguishes Sravakas—those who practice only for their own healing and transformation—from bodhisattvas, who “practice for everyone.” On the surface a bodhisattva and a Sravaka may do the same walking or sitting meditation, but the bodhisattva’s every breath and every step is an act of compassion for all beings. To be an authentic child of the Buddha, one must practice not for a separate self but “for the transformation and healing of everyone.”
The foundation of bodhisattvahood is the wisdom of non-discrimination (Vô phân biệt trí, Nirvikalpa jñāna). Thay illustrates this with his two hands: neither hand judges the other despite their differing abilities, so both live happily in cooperation. In the Vimalakīrti Sūtra, Vimalakīrti says his sickness “will last as long as do the sickness of all living beings”—“were all living beings to be free from sickness, I also would not be sick.” Great compassion is great love and great understanding, seeing “I am you, and you are me.”
True love in Buddhism combines affection and wisdom. On the side of affection are the four immeasurables:
- maitrī (joy-bringing friendship)
- karuṇā (compassion that relieves suffering)
- muditā (altruistic joy)
- upekṣā (inclusiveness without discrimination)
On the side of wisdom is the same non-discrimination that underlies compassion. Understanding is another word for love—without deep understanding of another’s suffering and happiness, true love is impossible. Every moment of practice—walking, breathing, speaking a kind word—is an act of healing for oneself and the world.
