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

Theme: Compassion

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
8th-century Indian philosopher, Buddhist monk, poet, and scholar
Life span
c. 685 - c. 763
Major philosophy
Mādhyamaka philosophy of Nāgārjuna
Place of study
Nalanda mahavihara
Shantideva, born around 685 CE in the ancient kingdom of Saurastra, now part of modern Gujarat, India, was a distinguished Indian Buddhist monk and scholar. He was the son of King Kalyanavarman and was initially named Śantivarman. Shantideva's early life was marked by auspicious signs and a deep inclination towards spirituality. Despite his royal lineage, he renounced his princely duties and chose the monastic life, eventually joining the prestigious Nalanda University. At Nalanda, Shantideva became an adherent of the Madhyamaka philosophy, a profound system of thought developed by Nagarjuna that delves into the nature of existence and the essence of enlightenment.
Shantideva's time at Nalanda was fraught with misunderstanding and controversy. His fellow monks perceived him as disinterested and aloof, often noting his absence from scholarly activities and practice sessions. This perception led to his nickname "Bhusuku," which implied that he only engaged in eating, sleeping, and idling. However, this view of Shantideva was dramatically overturned when he was challenged to give a public discourse. Rising to the occasion, Shantideva delivered "The Way of the Bodhisattva" (Bodhicharyavatara), a text that has since become a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhist literature. This work, which eloquently addresses the virtues of compassion, wisdom, and patience, revealed his profound understanding and mastery of Buddhist teachings.
Shantideva's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime, which concluded around 763 CE. His teachings, particularly those encapsulated in the Bodhicharyavatara, continue to be studied and revered by Buddhist practitioners and scholars worldwide. The text's practical and philosophical insights have cemented Shantideva's status as one of the most influential figures in Buddhist history. His life and work exemplify the transformative power of inner wisdom and the enduring impact of genuine spiritual practice, offering timeless guidance 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

Theme: Compassion

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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