A Meeting of Two Bodhisattvas (Ven. Sunyananda & Rev. Jungmin)

Hello, and what an auspicious event we all just had the privilege of claiming witness to. I was overjoyed when I heard the news that these two Bodhisattvas were dedicating their vows in this beautiful space and that the ceremony was going to be consecrated by the lovely and compassionate Nima La.

What can I say about these two gentleman? I have never in my life met two other young men with the dedication and wherewithal to actually manifest their aspirations as fully and wholly as these two.

I first met Venerable Sunyananda five years ago when he sent me an email inquiring if he could study with me, so I asked him to tell me a little about himself. This is an excerpt from that initial email. “As far as a life direction goes, my goals are simple. To help enhance the life and condition of as many individuals as possible through the self-actualization vehicle of life protection arts. To me, there is no greater joy or bliss than in watching to progress of students as they actualize peaceful and productive lives by means of the simplistic, loving attitude forged in regular practice.”

I think that pretty much summarizes who Venerable Sunyananda is and has been his entire life. There are rare jewels that appear in this world whose light shines just a little brighter than those around them, Venerable Sunyananda is one of these treasures. When I started teaching him I began teaching him the necessity of being very meticulous in all aspects of his life, today he is constantly showing me that it is I who consistently learn from him what true meticulousness is. This trait can drive those close to him a little nuts; and yet it is this that is necessary if we are to truly walk this path of life free from hindrances.

And now I come to Brother Jungmin, the compassionate one, whose direction in life is to serve and to teach. Here is a man who decides to do something, and then teaches himself and executes the plan. Once he is successful he wants to take others through the process and does so with a kind and loving heart. I learned this way of living from my parents and have followed this way my entire life, and with Brother Jungmin it seems to be a natural born talent. Although, he bounces from one thing to another often, he never fails to eventually complete each project. When I was in need two years ago he opened his home, his life and his heart to me and for this I am eternally grateful.

Last summer I had the opportunity to spend an entire month on the road with these two men. We traveled through the entire southwest of America logging over 4,000 miles and visited many Dharma friends and temples. At times, as will happen, moments became strained, and I saw with these two they also quickly passed.

Our lives as Buddhist Monks is dedicated to the Mahayana way, and it differs from other forms of Buddhism as it emphasizes the way of the Bodhisattva. We take this vow, “Dae Ja, Dae Bi, Dae Bosal Do.” This means “Great Love, Great Compassion, the Great Bodhisattva Way.”

So today, we saw these two dedicate their vows to one another. And what is this Great Love, Great Compassion, the Great Bodhisattva way? I would say that in my own estimation it means “Total Unconditional Positive Regard.” Let me say that again, “Total Unconditional Positive Regard.” This seems like a rather lofty goal, and honestly it is. We have another similar vow which we recite several times a day, it is the ending of the four great vows and the line reads, “the Buddha way is inconceivable, I vow to realize it.”

So if “Total Unconditional Positive Regard and the Buddha way is inconceivable, I vow to realize it” are seemingly impossible tasks why would we renew this vow and why would these two make their vows to each other. I believe that it is hidden in the meaning of the word Bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas are sometimes referred to as “Liberating Beings.” It means that they postpone entering into nirvana until all beings are liberated. So, today we witnessed a ceremony in which two Bodhisattvas committed to this following aspiration.

Just as all the previous Sugatas, the Buddhas
Generated the mind of liberation
And accomplished all the stages
Of the Bodhisattva training,
So will I too, for the sake of my life partner,
Generate this mind of liberation
And with their support and compassion
Accomplish all the stages
Of the Great Bodhisattva way.

Thank you all for coming today and sharing in this intimate and touching event.

May all beings be
free from enmity,
affliction and anxiety,
and live contentedly.

Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!
Namo Amitābha Buddha!

(Bow)