Recognizing enmities is the first step . . . (Click image for video)

Sentient beings are innumerable; 

I vow to help them all.  

This aspiration to help all beings is the first of the four great vows of Buddhas. With much enthusiasm to learn and practice the teachings, many people become enthralled with the abundance of Buddhist teachings. But in the vows, we see that mastering boundless Dharma doors, the methods of learning and practice, is the third vow.

The first is to give rise to the vow to help all beings. “All beings? Can’t I just help myself?”

If we practice to solely help ourselves, our mind will remain narrow and biased. A broad and impartial mind, like that of an awakened being, is what we strive for. With our firm holding of the first great vow—the aspiration to help all sentient beings—our great compassion will be generated and compel us to be diligent on the path. Without compassion and diligence, we will give up in the face of obstacles.

So the first vow inspires and encourages us, and serves as our fundamental vow.

The other three vows serve to help us fulfill this first vow.

Taking care of objects is a sign of respect . . . (Click image for video)

”What do you Buddhists believe?” 

When we get asked this, we often mention rebirth and karma. Rebirth can be a stretch for many people, so we may not want to linger too long on it. Cause and effect usually proves easier to discuss.

But wait, if the person isn’t comfortable with the concept of rebirth, how do we explain causality?

We could ask some questions, like what happens if he misses a deadline at work? What happens after he goes out of his way to help another? Upon our doing something, we will set into motion a karmic train. After missing that deadline, this person may well encounter resentment from co-workers. But from the one whom he had helped, a grateful hug.

Explain how, with awareness, patterns can be discerned. Acting in certain ways, certain things happen: adverse actions often result in distress while those that are positive most often lead to feelings of well-being. Then, with enough time and effort, we do more than just accept this truth.

We look for opportunities to do what we know is right.