Here we are once again at the traditional time for making resolutions or setting intentions for the new year. So, I would like to offer reflections on what are called the Four Great Vows, which encompass some of the Buddha’s highest intentions for us.
Our intentions need to be a match for the conditions that we are facing. Given the state of the world today, we may want to expand our horizons and enlarge upon our intentions and include our entire spiritual life.
The following is one among several translations of the Four Great Vows:
– We vow to benefit innumerable sentient beings
– We vow to abandon endless vexations
– We vow to learn limitless approaches to the dharma
– We vow to embody awakening, for the benefit of all.
Innumerable? Endless? Limitless? For the benefit of all? Impossible! And yet, the Four Great Vows inspire us to do our best while at the same time letting go of attachment to outcomes that may be out of our reach. Rather than meant as grandiose aspirations, these intentions are rooted in the reality that we are all in this life together, living just one life.
Because what is “innumerable, endless, limitless, and for all” is impossible to comprehend, we must sense the impact of these vows within our hearts here and now. We can live with intentionality instead of being subject to whims and impulses, tossed about by wherever the wind blows. These vows break through conditioning and open avenues for alignment with the wholesome.
The first, to benefit innumerable sentient beings, means to cultivate greater wisdom and compassion for all beings, including ourselves. It is a reminder to resolve to be kind whenever the opportunity arises in our daily lives.
The second, to abandon endless vexations, is the intention to let go of the toxicity of greed, hatred, and aversion, and to turn greed into generosity, hatred into love, and delusion into wisdom.
The third, to learn limitless approaches to the Dharma, means to be receptive to the great invitation of opening to the mystery of things when not lost in thought. When we do not entertain our constant internal monologue, we can listen more deeply to what is most important.
And the fourth, to embody awakening for the benefit of all, means to vow to continue to walk the path as the Buddha did, and to discover what the Buddha discovered–our innate peaceful nature.
These Four Great Vows are a direction, not a destination. They are the signifiers of true maturity.
As this year comes to an end and another begins, I want to thank you for accompanying me on this path. With a deep bow and all my love, let’s continue on!
Narayan