The idea of warriorship comes from the Tibetan term for Bodhisattva (byang chub sems pa). This describes the mind set on awakening, (Tib byang chub sems) and the person who as the hero or warrior with that mind (Tib dpa’ bo). Therefore it could literally be translated as awakened mind warrior or hero with enlightened intent. Maybe this idea of warriorship suprises people who think of Buddhism as a non-violent, peace-loving tradition. However, “Warriorship” as a Buddhist principle is not a matter of fighting wars or raising hell. It is a matter of pure presence with the circumstances with face. It is a matter of being beyond “fight or flight,” remaining on the spot; standing still in the face of what-is and looking at it unflinchingly. From that courageous presence we have the capacity to see clearly and communicate with what we see. If we have not done this with our own minds, we cannot do so with our society. We must face our own neurosis as the basis for addressing the neurosis of our world. This is the way of being of of the awakened mind warrior, the modern day Bodhisattva. A being who understand that the greatest weapon against aggression is a radiant sanity and pure intention.
~ Pema Khandro
www.PemaKhandro.org
