Bodhisattva Vows

[The Cobbler's Apprentice]

I was reading a book by David Bentley-Hart, a Christian Eastern Orthodox theologian. It argued the case for Universalism, obviously from the Christian perspective. He made mention of the Bodhisattvas and their vows, contrasting this with certain Christian stories/outlooks that seemed not to offer the same degree of compassion.

Mr Hart mentioned the vow not to enter nirvana until all had entered, of their willingness to enter themselves into the darkest Buddhist hells "in pursuit of the lost". He ended his short summary of their willingness to share such suffering with the following, worth quoting:-

"But then, in fact, in a marvelous and radiant inversion of all expectations, it turns out that such compassion is itself already the highest liberation and beatitude, and that, seen in its light, the difference between Samsara and Nirvana simply vanishes."

As I see it, this also relates to the "no merit" thread. Concern for others simply replaces self-concern and with it any thought of merit. Also, for me, it speaks of a "spirituality" that is more than narcissistic grooming, and is in no danger of any betrayal of this world for any imagined "other".