

Bodhisattva Manjushri and Wisdom for Our Times
Apr 14, 2025
Cynthia Kear, a Sensei at Upaya Zen Center, emphasizes the importance of vows and confidence in one's practice to unlock wisdom. The conversation explores the bodhisattva Manjushri as an emblem of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism, highlighting how his attributes, like the Vajra sword, symbolize insight. Kear discusses embracing emptiness and interconnectedness to tackle life's challenges and advocates for cultivating compassion to address social issues, positioning wisdom as a necessary tool for supporting others.
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Bodhisattva Path and Wisdom Redefined
- The Bodhisattva path demands a deep commitment to remain until all beings are liberated.
- It redefines wisdom as recognizing the interconnectedness of all phenomena, beyond mere knowledge.
Vows as Your Life Compass
- Use your vows as a compass to maintain your dedication during life's challenges.
- Recollecting vows restores balance and guides you back to your practice path.
Wisdom Within Requires Practice
- Wisdom is inherent and universal, residing equally in everyone.
- Actual practice is necessary to actualize this dormant seed of wisdom within us.