“Subhūti, a Bodhisattva should give rise to a pure mind,
not dwelling in form,
not dwelling in sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma.
One should give rise to a mind that does not dwell anywhere.”
English Explanation
Key Idea: “Non-abiding” doesn’t mean having no direction. It means not fixing the mind onto a rigid object.
Modern Context: In today’s world, we easily get stuck on numbers (KPIs), roles (titles, identities), or images (social media profiles). Once attached, anxiety and comparison grow.
The sutra’s advice is: Engage fully in the moment, but don’t let your identity or results imprison your heart.
Exercise 1: Unbinding Labels
Write down one label you cling to most (e.g., “successful professional,” “good parent,” “top performer”). Then ask:
What happens if I stop defining myself by this label?
What other ways of acting become possible?
English: Give rise to a mind that does not cling anywhere.
English (Original Quote)
The Buddha said:
“Subhūti, for the benefit of all beings, a Bodhisattva should practice giving in this way:
not dwelling in form,
not dwelling in sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma.
A Bodhisattva should give without attachment to appearances.”
English Explanation
Key Idea: Giving (dāna) in Buddhism is not just about offering material goods. It’s about giving without attachment to form, recognition, or reward. If giving is done for fame or return, it still creates merit, but it remains limited.
Modern Context:
In the workplace, we often measure giving as a transaction: “I worked this hard, so I deserve a promotion.”
In relationships, we give with hidden expectations: “I did so much for you, you should respond.”
Even in charity, sometimes generosity becomes a tool for showing off.
The Sutra reminds us: True generosity comes from compassion, not calculation. We give without labeling ourselves as “generous,” and without placing debt on others.
Exercise 2: Practice Invisible Giving
Do one small good deed (anonymous donation, quietly helping a colleague, assisting a stranger).
Don’t announce it, don’t expect thanks.
Simply remind yourself: “I am just part of the conditions that allowed this to happen.”
English: A Bodhisattva gives without clinging to appearances.
English (Original Quote)
The Buddha said:
“Subhūti, if a Bodhisattva holds on to the notions of self, person, living being, or lifespan,
he is not truly a Bodhisattva.”
English Explanation
Four Marks:
Self (ātman): Clinging to a fixed “me” or “mine.”
Person: Seeing ourselves in constant comparison with others.
Living being: Believing in a rigid boundary between “me” and “others.”
Lifespan: Thinking life is a fixed possession that must be defended.
Key Idea: Buddhism doesn’t deny the usefulness of “identity,” but warns us not to treat it as a permanent truth. The self is a flowing process, not a solid object.
Modern Context:
At work: “I’m just an intern” or “I’m the boss”—both can trap us in narrow roles.
In society: “us vs. them” thinking breeds division and conflict.
In personal life: fear of aging and death comes from believing our lifespan is a fixed essence.
The sutra says: When we loosen our grip on identity, we gain flexibility and compassion.
Exercise 3: Unfixing Identity
Write down the labels you most often use to define yourself (“manager,” “parent,” “student”).
Ask: If this identity vanished for a day, who am I?
Try, at least once, to act outside of your usual “role script.”
English: If one clings to self, person, being, or lifespan, one is not a true Bodhisattva.