Here is another excerpt from the first chapter of A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life called “The Benefits of the Awakening Mind.” May these words written by Shantideva inspire all who encounter them.
#26
How can I fathom the depths
Of the goodness of this jewel of the mind,
The panacea that relieves the world of pain
And is the source of all its joy?
#31
If whoever repays a kind deed
Is worthy of some praise,
Then what need to mention the Bodhisattvas
Who do good without it being asked of them?
#32
The world honors as virtuous
One who sometimes gives a little, plain food
Disrespectfully to a few beings,
Which satisfies them for only a half a day.
#33
What need be said then of one
Who eternally bestows the peerless bliss of the Sugatas
Upon limitless numbers of beings,
Thereby fulfilling all their hopes?
#34
The Buddha has said that whoever bears a harmful thought
Against a benefactor such as a Bodhisattva
Will remain in hell for as many aeons
As there were harmful thoughts.
#35
However, if a virtuous attitude should arise (in that regard),
Its fruits will multiply far more than that.
When Bodhisattvas greatly suffer they generate no negativity,
Instead their virtues naturally increase.
#36
I bow down to the body of those
In whom the sacred precious mind is born.
I seek refuge in that source of joy
Who brings happiness even to those who bring harm.
I bow down and go to refuge to you, Precious Lama; you hold me fast and will not abandon me; following you I will practice.