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32 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

These are wholesome ego perceptions. The word “ego” A problematic overlay that often surfaces is the
mentioned earlier refers to unhealthy ways that we Bodhisattva path of doing social good actively, while the
prop ourselves up. But here, if one does it skillfully, Theravāda path is viewed as retreating and meditating.
intentionally, and in a way which doesn’t exalt oneself or It is problematic because I've seen the benefits of both
disparage others in a way which is socially detrimental, paths – for those who choose to go on retreats and
then that’s a great thing to do. At least, until you’re able cultivating, and those who go out in the world doing
to see the liability of it, and to practice otherwise. social good actively.
Ajahn Nisabho: I like Ajahn Kovilo’s answer.
And as to what happens when one approaches that
Benny: In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the bodhisattva vows final goal, I think it's beyond concept. I don't see a need
to keep returning to saṃsāra to help all beings. Is this to distinguish the two. I see the need to follow the
perspective in conflict with the Theravāda emphasis Buddhist teachings as well as we can, and practice with
on ending rebirth? Or can they be reconciled? dedication as much as we can in the moment.

Ajahn Nisabho:This is a big question. Ajahn Amaro Ajahn Kovilo: I support Ajahn Nisabho’s answer.
notes the Bodhisattva vows to remain in saṃsāra until Benny: In Tibetan Buddhism, there is frequent mention
all beings are freed are always given in tandem with the of navigating the bardos and even choosing one's
teachings on emptiness (śūnyatā). These vows sound next rebirth. How might this be understood from a
profoundly inspirational and powerful. Theravāda perspective — as a form of skillful means, or
something else?
I think there may be a point in one’s practice where one
realizes that all beings are empty, and awakening can Ajahn Kovilo: The idea of the bardos, the in-between
occur, even within the context of a vow. I feel that as realms, is not much spoken of, certainly not in detail in
one approaches the goal of Nibbāna, or the mind of the the oldest strata of the Pali Canon, though there is a word
Bodhisattva, the concepts that each school overlays onto - sambhavesi - which is being, seeking rebirth, some kind
that point, makes the goal problematic and coarse. of interim ghost or intermediate realm in-between. The
word is mentioned, but not elaborated upon.
In the Theravāda and the early suttas, although the
idea of Nibbāna is not spoken of in much detail, it's But in terms of choosing one's next rebirth, I refer, once
not a blank nothingness. And when one speaks to again, to the Saṅkhārupapatti Sutta, MN 120. In that
the masters of the tradition, there are indications of sutta, the Buddha taught how one can influence one's
esoteric elements. Ajahn Mun, the grandfather of the next birth. The Buddha said, one may have the wish to
Thai forest tradition, on the night of the moment of be reborn as a noble, a Brahmin; one might wish to be
his enlightenment, he encountered visions of previous reborn into a wealthy family or amongst gods of the two
Buddhas and arahants; what does one do with that? Sittas; or gods of the Nibbāna Rati; or all of the higher
levels of gods, right up to attaining Nibbāna if they did
My view is to put aside a bit of the conceptual overlays five things. They must have a certain level of faith, ethics,
which have accumulated over the centuries and and generosity and have the capacity for generosity;
understand that good practice is "good practice is good they must also have a certain level of learning and
practice, is good practice”. There has never been a wisdom. These are the qualities of beings in the higher
moment in my own practice where I've had a fork in the realms. Hence, in the Theravāda context, according to
road between what was good practice in one path, and the sutta, one can incline one's path towards future
what was also good practice in the other. positive rebirths as one wishes or towards Nibbāna.
That is wholly possible. EH