The Anti-Bodhisattva

The concept of an anti-bodhisattva is something I have been playing for quite some time now. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but it is a fascinating and thought-provoking idea that challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of spirituality and enlightenment.

In essence, the anti-bodhisattva seeks to improve the world and the lives of all beings, not by helping them transcend this realm and achieve enlightenment, but by making the world so good that they would not want to leave it.

No promises of escape, no cope of “I will be rewarded after I’m gone”… But dedication to the here and now and to the work on actual, tangible improvement of our lives and the lives of those who come after.

At the heart of this idea is the belief that life on earth can be just as fulfilling and joyful as any afterlife or otherworldly existence. Rather than seeking to escape the world and its problems, the anti-bodhisattva embraces them as opportunities for growth, exploration, and character development. Through this perspective, we can see the world and all its challenges not as obstacles to be overcome but as catalysts for our personal and collective evolution.

But how do we make samsara - the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth - so good that beings would never want to leave it? It starts with a shift in our own attitudes and behaviors. By cultivating love, compassion, and empathy for all beings, we can create a more harmonious and supportive society that meets the needs of everyone, not just a privileged few. This means addressing systemic inequalities, promoting social justice and human rights, and working towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

But it also means cultivating our own inner states of joy, peace, and contentment. Through skills like meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection, we can develop a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. By tapping into our own inner resources of wisdom and compassion, we can help others do the same and create a ripple effect of positive change that spreads throughout our communities and beyond.

Of course, this is not a static process - it is a dynamic, fractal journey that unfolds in new and unexpected ways every day. It requires us to remain open to new experiences, to learn from our mistakes, and to constantly adapt and evolve as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of life. But in doing so, we can create a world that is truly worth living in - a world where all beings are loved, happy, and joyous, both here on earth and among the stars.

It is also a rejection - a rejection of hope for some better place somewhere else. Yes, you can also hope that you will come to some perfect heaven or nirvana after you die. But the only thing we can really be sure of is here and now. Shouldn’t we try to improve this instead?

It is also a rejection of the notion that this world is perfect. It is not. It is not the best it can possibly be. There is a plant room for improvement and compassion. If god gave us this world, wouldn’t he want us to be good stewards of his garden? If Buddha taught for the benefit of all beings, shouldn’t we also try to improve samsara for the benefit of us all?

The anti-bodhisattva challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of spiritual enlightenment and the religious afterlife. It encourages us to embrace the world and its challenges instead of looking forward to when we die.

By cultivating love, compassion, and empathy for all beings and working towards a more harmonious and sustainable future, we can create a world that is truly worth living in - a world where heaven exists in this life and all beings are happy and joyous forever. A world where no one needs to dream about heaven because they will be living it. A world so good that no one needs to dream about escaping it forever.

I dream about such a world. Maybe you can join me ;)