Bodhisattva Vow

I’ve listened to the Beastie Boys for a long time. They definitely defined the music for that generation. On spotify I was scrolling through some Beastie Boys songs and I stumpled upon a song I had listened to before but had not paid attention to the name of the song. The song was called Bodhisattva Vow. The reason it caught my attention is that I’m studying Yoga and have been for the last year. I say studying because for me it is much more than just postures and physical practice. It’s really about being able to control your energy. More on that later. But back to that song. The name of the song doesn’t have the same kind of punk aspect to it as most of the songs have. It’s obviously related to India and possibly buddishm. So I found the lyrics and they are quite interesting. Also reading more about the guys in the band I found out that the two Adams were studying Buddism. And the text shows a different aspect of their thoughts and messages in their songs. I actually don’t listen that much to lyrics in songs, but I think this is not something that could have been heard clearly in that song in particular.

As I develop the awakening mind
I praise the Buddhas 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 enlightened mind that I know I’ll reap
Respect to Shantideva and all the others
Who brought down the Dharma for the sisters and brothers
I give thanks for this world as a place to learn
And for this human body that I know I’ve 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 that 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 flak
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 chance 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 love can conquer hate 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

Songwriters: Adam Horovitz / Adam Nathaniel Yauch / Mario Caldato Jr. / Michael Louis Diamond

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *