Beastie Boys Bodhisattva Vow Lyrics

Bodhisattva Vow Lyrics

(Beastie Boys/Caldato) 

     As i develop the awakening mind I praise the Buddha as they shine
     I bow before you as I travel my path to join your ranks,
     I make my full time task
     For the sake of all beings I seek
     The enlighted mind that I know I'll reap
     Respect to Shantideva and all the others
     Who brought down the Darma for sisters and brothers
     I give thanks for this world as a place to learn
     And for this human body that i'm glad to have earned
     And my deepest thanks to all sentient beings
     For without them there would be no place to learn what I'm seeing
     There's nothing here that's not been said before
     But I put it down now so I'll be sure
     To solidify my own views and I'll be glad if it helps
     Anyone else out too

     If others disrespect me or give me flack
     I'll stop and think before i react 
     Knowing that they're going through insecure stages
     I'll take the opportunity to exercise patience
     I'll see it as a chance to help the other person
     Nip it in the bud before it can worsen
     A change for me to be strong and sure
     As I think on the Buddhas who have come before
     As I praise and respect the good they've done
     Knowing only love can conquer in every situation
     We need other people in order to create
     The circumstances for the learning that we're here to generate
     Situations that bring up our deepest fears
     So we can work to release them until they're cleared
     Therefore, it only makes sense
     To thank our enemies despite their intent

     The Bodhisattva path is one of power and strength
     A strength from within to go the length
     Seeing others are as important as myself
     I strive for a happiness of mental wealth
     With the interconnectedness that we share as one
     Every action that we take affects everyone
     So in deciding for what a situation calls
     There is a path for the good for all
     I try to make my every action for that highest good
     With the altruistic wish to achieve Buddhahood
     So i pledge here before everyone who's listening
     To try to make my every action for the good of all beings
     For the rest of my lifetimes and even beyond
     I vow to do my best to do no harm
     And in times of doubt I can think on the Dharma
     And the enlightened ones who've graduated Samsara