Tibetan Buddhism reminds us that aspiration is never only personal. We benefit from the aspirational vows others make, too. Which is why aspiration and connection are so closely linked together.
In the last post, I shared 3 levels of personal aspiration: outer, inner, and secret. Tibetan Buddhism then zooms out to add 3 more layers: personal, general, and spiritual.
Personal aspirations, of course, refer to those we choose to keep as individuals. But we don’t do this in a vacuum. We rely on a community of people who similarly vow to uphold their values. So that’s where the general level comes in.
This general level of aspiration connects us to all the other people in society who commit to their aspirations. For example, we remember physicians, who take the Hippocratic oath to protect the health of their patients. And public servants, who vow to uphold the will of the people. But integrity resides within every role in society, from teacher to police officer to bakery owner. Imagine what society would be like if we all lived into the aspiration of our vocations. Protect and serve. Teach every student passionately. Conduct business ethically. Lead others selflessly. Uphold the dignity of every person. Listen respectfully.
That’s true connection. And it’s born out of aspiration.
Finally, we move beyond general aspiration to spiritual aspiration. Here, we honor the enlightened ones who lead us by example of their spiritual commitment. These spiritual leaders connect us to our own sacred possibilities. Lama Surya Das writes, “These wisdom intentions or timeless aspirations embrace us all, beyond time and space, whether we believe in them or not.” The connection is so strong, it goes beyond our rational assent. I love that.
Many Tibetan Buddhists believe we receive energy and blessing from spiritual leaders. Because these aspirations happen on a spiritual level, they strengthen the connection between all living things. They call us to harmony. They beckon us in.
This week, take the time to give thanks for everyone who upholds aspiration on your behalf. Give thanks for those whose aspirations connect us. Give thanks for spiritual aspirations that connect us in ways we can’t even comprehend.
And remember we’re all in this together. Onward and upward.
This post is part of the Paramita Project, where I’m practicing one paramita each month. Read all my posts on aspiration, pranidhana, here.
