The Buddhic Essence: Ten Stages to Becoming a Buddha (Mystical Paths of the World's Religions) by Clare Prophet Elizabeth

Author:Clare Prophet, Elizabeth [Clare Prophet, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Spiritual & Religion
ISBN: 9781932890365
Publisher: Summit University Press
Published: 2009-08-10T07:00:00+00:00

8

Second Bhumi: Vimala

Immaculate Stage

The second bhumi is Vimala, Immaculate Stage. The bodhisattva attains to this stage by purity of conduct. He is incorruptible, free from desire, and has developed true self-control. He is forthright with himself and others, free of any evasiveness or ambiguity. He is calm yet active and is tenderhearted, beneficent, noble and magnanimous toward all.

SILA-PARAMITA: THE PERFECTION OF MORALITY

At this stage the bodhisattva devotes special attention to the perfection of Morality (Sila), the second paramita. He lives an exemplary life of purity and meritorious action. He resolves to be the friend, guide, protector, teacher and saviour of others.

By his example and teaching, the bodhisattva inspires and encourages others to follow the Ten Precepts. This means abstaining from sins of body, speech and mind. Traditionally, these are: killing (which includes taking life in any form), stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, slander, coarse, abusive or insulting language, frivolous speech (empty chatter and gossip), covetousness (greedy desire), malice and angry speech, and false views (delusion).

Sangharakshita writes, “To however great an extent the Bodhisattva practises the Perfection of Morality he will never think of himself as virtuous.... He will wear his righteousness as lightly as a flower.”[33]

Concepts of what is moral and what is immoral differ according to religious and ethnic customs and times. From the standpoint of the spiritual path, moral and immoral practices can be defined as those that either enhance or detract from the goal of union with God. Whatever gets us closer to God by legitimate means is good. Whatever puts us further away from God is not good.

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