Being a Light in the Darkness
Photo by Erica Dukes at Calming Captures
“May I be a guard for those who need protection,
A guide for those on the path,
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who cross the flood.May I be a lamp in the darkness,
A resting place for the weary,
A healing medicine for all who are sick,
A vase of plenty,
A tree of miracles,and for the boundless multitudes living beings,
may I bring sustenance and awakening,
enduring like earth and sky
until all beings are freed from sorrow
and all are awakened.”—Shantideva
Link to Listen: Powerful Daily Prayer for Awakening
Shantideva was a Buddhist sage who lived in the 700s A.D. The above passage is his Vow of the Bodhisattva, a powerful commitment to compassionate service for the benefit of all beings.
This vow truly encapsulates qualities of personal responsibility and selflessness.
It asserts that, in order to genuinely help those around us, we must first become an embodiment of compassion, resilience, and inner peace. By first cultivating these qualities within ourselves, we are better able to offer genuine support to others, creating a lasting impact that ripples outward.
The vow encourages us to develop a presence that uplifts, comforts, and guides, helping those in need by being a steady source of strength and care.
We’re fortunate to live in a time that offers us so much security, convenience, and comfort. Yet, with this abundance, it’s easy to fall into the habit of putting things off, thinking, “I’ll get to it later,” or relying on the assumption that someone else will step in.
However, a healthier future for humanity will never come about from an outside source.
It won’t come from a doctor who tells us what’s good for our health.
It won’t come from a teacher who tells us what to think.
It won’t come from a public figure who tells us how to live.
True, lasting societal change rests in the hearts and minds of each individual.
It comes from taking ownership of our health, adopting a lifestyle that allows our bodies to heal and flourish.
It comes from taking accountability for our attention and mindset, challenging ourselves intellectually.
It comes from our ability to lead with purpose, shaping the world around us through compassionate service.
May these affirmations from Shantideva be a guide for us as we learn to shine as beacons of light in times of darkness.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a Master’s-level Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern operating under licensed supervision in Pensacola, Florida. His philosophy is that each and every individual holds wellsprings of wisdom within them, and with the right tools, can access this wisdom to live purposeful, healthy, and resilient lives.
How You Can Support:
1-1 Session: if you find that these messages resonate with you, take the next step in rediscovering mental clarity by scheduling a session with Max.
Free Mental Health Resources: if you’re looking for more mental health tools like guided meditations and daily journals, visit our Free Resources Page.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
