As long as space remains, As long as sentient beings remain, Until then, May I too remain And help dispel the miseries of the world.

Shantideva

May I Too Remain

Topic: Love, Compassion, & Kindness

May the fearful become fearless;
May those oppressed by grief find joy;
May those who are anxious
Be rid of their anxiety and feel secure.

May health come to the sick;
May they be free from every bondage;
May those who are weak find strength,
Their minds tender towards each other.

As long as space remains,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, May I too remain
And help dispel the miseries of the world.

Shantideva

Shantideva was an 8th-century (c. 685-c. 763) Indian Buddhist monk and scholar, born in Saurastra, in what is now modern Gujarat. He was the son of King Kalyanavarman, and he went by the name Śantivarman. A prominent figure at the esteemed university of Nalanda, Shantideva was an adherent of the Madhyamaka philosophy, a system of thought developed by Nagarjuna. This philosophical approach sought to explain the nature of existence and the essence of enlightenment, profoundly influencing Mahayana Buddhism.

Despite his noble birth and philosophical alignment, Shantideva's time at Nalanda was marked by controversy. According to the well-known Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön, "Shantideva was not well liked at Nalanda." Rather than engaging in the scholarly pursuits expected of a monk at such a renowned institution, Shantideva was known for his absence from study and practice sessions. Fellow students and teachers perceived him as disinterested and aloof, contributing to an air of mystery and misunderstanding surrounding his character.

This perception was dramatically altered when Shantideva was goaded into giving a talk to the entire university body. To the astonishment of those who had doubted him, he delivered "The Way of the Bodhisattva" ("Bodhicharyavatara"), a profound and seminal text that has become one of the most cherished works in Mahayana Buddhism. In it, he explores the virtues of compassion, wisdom, and patience, weaving complex philosophical insights into practical teachings. The text's brilliance not only vindicated Shantideva's unconventional approach to his studies but also ensured his place as one of the most revered figures in Buddhist history. His teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners and scholars alike, offering a timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

Buddhism
Bodhicaryavatara

The Dalai Lama. Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World's Religions Can Come Together. Doubleday Religion, 2010, p. 183 [Shantideva, Bodhicaryavatara, Chapter X].

Shantideva

About Shantideva’s Quote [Brief Commentary]

Shantideva’s words are an unambiguous declaration of compassion and love that holds no conditions or limits. When he says, “As long as space remains, As long as sentient beings remain, Until then, May I too remain And help dispel the miseries of the world,” he is making an extraordinary commitment to universal well-being. This isn’t compassion reserved for friends, family, or those who are easy to love. It’s an open invitation to love actively, comprehensively, and enduringly. He’s committing to being present for the suffering and joys of all beings, with the clear aim of alleviating pain. It’s compassion without a stopwatch or a measuring scale.

[Click “Read More” for rest of Commentary]

About Shantideva’s Quote [Longer Commentary]

The Dalai Lama’s teaching and life resonate deeply with Shantideva’s words, exemplifying them in action. For the Dalai Lama, compassion isn’t an abstract concept but a practical guide to living. It’s the core of every decision, every interaction, and every thought. Just as Shantideva pledges to remain as long as there are beings and space, the Dalai Lama also embodies this spirit of long-haul commitment to global compassion. For him, Shantideva’s vow isn’t just words on a page but the essence of a life well-lived.

The beauty of both Shantideva’s and the Dalai Lama’s approach is in the utter simplicity and directness of their messages. They don’t say, “First become enlightened, then you can be compassionate.” They emphasize that right now, just as you are, you can make a difference. Just be there, be present, and be committed to easing the burdens of the world, however you can. When you align with Shantideva’s compassion, as the Dalai Lama does, an ocean of unconditional love is on call to support this way of being. This is love that doesn’t ask for qualifications but simply says, “Here I am, ready to bring a little more light into the world.”

The Dalai Lama on Shantideva, Bodhicaryavatara

“The only appropriate, responsible, and effective way to live in this undeniable reality [of the world we live in] is to follow the principles of compassion. At a minimum, each of us must live our life upholding the regard for others at our core. Let me end with the beautiful words of Shantideva [see the passage quoted above]―May peace and happiness prevail everywhere!”

―Dalai Lama XIV [Toward a True Kinship of Faiths (Conclusion)] pp. 182-183.

The Dalai Lama on Generating Bodhichitta

“On my part, I cannot claim to have realized bodhichitta. However, I have a deep admiration for bodhichitta. I feel that the admiration I have for bodhichitta is my wealth and a source of my courage. This is also the basis of my happiness; it is what enables me to make others happy, and it is the factor that makes me feel satisfied and content. I am thoroughly dedicated and committed to this altruistic ideal. Whether sick or well, growing old, or even at the point of death, I shall remain committed to this ideal. I am convinced that I will always maintain my deep admiration for this ideal of generating the altruistic mind of bodhichitta. On your part too, my friends, I would like to appeal to you to try to become as familiar as possible with bodhichitta. Strive, if you can, to generate such an altruistic and compassionate state of mind.

Actual realization of bodhichitta requires years of meditative practice. In some cases, it may take eons to have this realization. It is not adequate simply to have an intellectual understanding of what bodhichitta is. Nor is it sufficient to have an intuitive feeling like, “May all sentient beings attain the fully enlightened state.” These are not realizations of bodhichitta. Even so, I think it is worth it, for what more profound practice of dharma is there? As Shantideva states:

For like the supreme substance of the alchemists,
It takes the impure form of human flesh
And makes of it the priceless body of a buddha.
Such is bodhichitta: we should grasp it firmly!”

― Dalai Lama XIV [Practicing Wisdom: The Perfection of Shantideva’s Bodhisattva Way. Translated and edited by Thupten Jinpa. © 2004 Tenzin Gyatso].

“If you feel hesitant about being able to observe the bodhisattva vows, then it is best not to make the pledge; you can still generate an altruistic mind and wish that all sentient beings may be happy and pray that you may be able to attain full enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. This should be sufficient; you will gain the merit of generating bodhichitta, but you do not have to follow the precepts. Also, there is less danger of breaking the vows. So if you do not take any vows, you simply develop aspirational bodhichitta. You can be your own judge.

With the wish to free all beings
I shall always go for refuge
To the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
Until I reach full enlightenment.

Enthused by wisdom and compassion
Today in the Buddha’s presence
I generate the mind for full awakening
For the benefit of all sentient beings.

As long as space remains,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
and dispel the miseries of the world.”

―Dalai Lama XIV [Practicing Wisdom: The Perfection of Shantideva’s Bodhisattva Way. Translated and edited by Thupten Jinpa. © 2004 Tenzin Gyatso].

May I Too Remain

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