My Vows
When I took my vows as a Buddhist, I didn't vow to Buddha, I vowed to all beings. The first vow of not killing or harming other beings was a promise I made to those beings! I can't harm Buddha, a being who can no longer experience suffering. I made that vow to the spider I found in my house this morning, and took him outside (he's not paying rent!) That little living consciousness has a right to life. And, as killing is the cause for losing my own life in the future, I created better causes for the two of us.
When I took the vow not to steal, it means I promise every being that I will not take things from then that they willingly and knowingly haven't given to me! Even at the grocery store when a clerk unknowingly charges me less than what they should I will not take from them (or the store owner) what I should pay full price for and not take advantage of their error.
I promise all beings that I will not lie. This is important to them today, not Buddha. Beings with whom I will encounter don't want confusion or misinformation. Therefore, I will never lie to them because I know how destructive lying has been in my own life. I will diligently defend this vow, this promise to always tell the truth so I can be a beacon of reliability to anyone.
I made a promise to not engage in sexual misconduct. For the past I've lived this one was something with which I needed to fully understand- the kinds of people, places, and times for which sex is improper needed to be attended. To myself and others I chose to live a less sensual, self-indulgent life. That doesn't mean celibacy, as I am not a monk. It means understanding when and with whom it is proper and consensual.
I promise all beings that I will not take intoxicants to the point I loose my ability to control my mind and actions. So, I rarely drink. When I do it is on special occasion, only one drink, and definitely in a completely safe environment. This benefits others because I won't lose my ability or diligence to protect the other vows I have made.
Once taken, these vows remove causes that bring about our most intense suffering experiences. And they should be taken or repeated every day!
Having taken the Bodhisattva Vow, I reflect daily on the 18 root downfalls to this vow that prevent me from the dedication to help all other beings.
None of this has anything to do with Buddha and everything to do with a better relationship with myself, my reality, and with those I encounter in it. Many other Buddhist practitioners view their relationship with Buddha as more important than that which they have with other beings. This is a mistake. Buddha isn't Jesus. Buddha isn't worshiped in Buddhism; his teachings are adopted and he is revered for his insight to and revelation of the Dharma.
Just typing "Long live His Holiness" to every picture of the Dalai Lama in the comment space online will not make you a better practitioner of Dharma, or get you enlightened quicker! If it was that easy Buddha wouldn't have given 84,000 teachings! Buddhism would've revolved around a tiny pamphlet of instructions!
Being a spiritual sojourner is recognizing the beauty in the relationship you have with every aspect of yourself, your reality, and the beautiful beings with whom you interact with in that reality. And having a naked, bare awareness of all that is means taking all of the layers of selfishness that we project upon the world and others out of our perceptions. Seeing things just as they are, without polluting the experience with so many erroneously held views we've acquired through our past, society's influence, and our own fears allows us to have a more fulfilling relationship with reality.
So, if you're reading this morning reflection I've shared—thank you for being in my life. I hope you experience every spiritual and worldly joy that you seek. I promise you I won't kill or harm you, lie to you or take your things, choose my personal sexual pursuits over doing things that benefit you, and I won't get drunk and break these other promises I make to you. You will always have love here from me . . . as long as I am living!
