The Good Shepherd
Julien Dupre, ca. 1900

My dear friends,

The readings for this "Good Shepherd Sunday" align well with the stages of the Bodhisattva path as described in Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path, symbolizing spiritual evolution from being guided, to self-guidance, to guiding others.

The metaphor of God as shepherd and the faithful as sheep paints a vivid picture of the initial stage of spiritual development, where a beginner on the spiritual path might initially rely on external teachings and mentors. This corresponds to the initial steps on the Bodhisattva path where one starts to develop faith and trust in the guidance of more advanced spiritual figures and the teachings of the Dharma. It reflects a time of learning to let go of egoistic drives and cultivating reliance on greater wisdom beyond oneself.

This self-sacrifice and deep knowing can be seen as symbolic of the stage where one moves beyond mere following to embodying the qualities of the shepherd. On the Bodhisattva path, this reflects the transition to taking personal responsibility for one's spiritual journey—developing self-awareness, wisdom, and compassion. Practitioners begin to internalize the teachings and integrate them into their own lives, striving to embody the virtues of the Bodhisattva: compassion, wisdom, and skillful means.

This directive moves the focus outward, aligning with the advanced stage of the Bodhisattva path, where one not only embodies the teachings but also works actively for the welfare of all beings. The practitioner becomes a shepherd to others, guiding and supporting them on their paths with the wisdom and compassion they have cultivated. This mirrors the Bodhisattva’s vow to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, reflecting ultimate altruism and responsibility for others' physical and spiritual well-being.

Each of these readings, when viewed through the lens of the Bodhisattva path, represents a stage of spiritual maturity: starting as followers (sheep), moving to self-guided practitioners (becoming our own shepherds), and eventually becoming guides for others (shepherding others). This progression is deeply embedded in both the teachings of Jesus and the Bodhisattva path, where the ultimate aim is not just personal liberation or enlightenment but the enlightenment and liberation of all beings. Through understanding and integrating these stages, one walks the path of a true spiritual shepherd, embodying the love, sacrifice, and wisdom necessary to uplift and transform the world.