Salvator Mundi
Antonello da Messina, 1465
My dear friends,
In Ephesians 4:25-5:2, the Apostle Paul exhorted the disputing factions of the early Christian church in Ephesus to live in truth, love, and compassion. These teachings align closely with the principles of Bodhicitta, the awakened mind dedicated to the welfare of all beings. As we reflect on these verses, we are invited to consider how these Christian teachings resonate with the aspirations of a Bodhisattva, who seeks to embody love and wisdom in every action.
let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor,
for we are members of one another.
- Ephesians 4:25
The Bodhisattva path begins with the commitment to truth, recognizing that we are all interconnected. Speaking truthfully is a manifestation of our awareness of this interdependence. Just as a Bodhisattva refrains from deception out of compassion for all beings, so too are we called to speak the truth with our neighbors, understanding that falsehood harms the fabric of our collective existence.
and do not make room for the devil.
- Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger is a powerful emotion that can lead us away from the path of compassion. In Buddhist teachings, anger is considered a manifestation of aversion, one of the Three Poisons that cloud our minds and lead to suffering. However, the passage here advises us not to deny our anger but to transform it. By not allowing anger to persist, we avoid giving it the power to drive harmful actions. This practice is akin to the Bodhisattva’s cultivation of patience and loving-kindness, turning potential seeds of conflict into opportunities for growth in wisdom and compassion.
rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands,
so as to have something to share with the needy.
- Ephesians 4:28
Generosity is the first of the six perfect virtues (paramitas) of Mahayana Buddhism. The act of turning away from stealing – the second of ten "unskillful actions" (akusala-kamma) in Buddhism – and toward honest labor – "right livelihood," an element of the Noble Eightfold Way – represents a transformation from selfishness to selflessness. By working diligently and sharing with those in need, we embody the Bodhisattva's vow to benefit all beings. This verse calls us to align our actions with the Bodhisattva’s aspiration of Dāna, the perfection of generosity, where giving becomes a natural expression of our commitment to the welfare of others.
as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
- Ephesians 4:29
Right speech, one of the aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism, is also reflected in this teaching. The Bodhisattva understands that words have the power to harm or heal. By choosing words that uplift and encourage, we contribute to the well-being of others and cultivate the virtue of compassionate communication. This practice of mindful speech is an expression of the Bodhisattva's commitment to harmlessness and the cultivation of a peaceful and harmonious community.
with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.
- Ephesians 4:30
In this verse, the Holy Spirit can be seen as analogous to Bodhicitta, the awakened mind. Grieving the Holy Spirit may be understood as acting against the deep wisdom and compassion that guides our path. A Bodhisattva is mindful not to act in ways that diminish or obscure this inner light of wisdom and compassion. By aligning our actions with this divine presence, we honor the bodhicitta within us, ensuring that our lives remain in harmony with the ultimate goal of awakening for the benefit of all beings.
together with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
as God in Christ has forgiven you.
- Ephesians 4:31-32
The Bodhisattva cultivates a heart free from bitterness, anger, and malice, for these emotions create obstacles to the realization of compassion and wisdom. In this verse, we are encouraged to embody kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness, qualities that reflect the Bodhisattva's compassionate nature. Just as God in Christ forgives, the Bodhisattva practices forgiveness as a way of liberating both self and others from the bonds of anger and resentment, moving closer to the realization of ultimate peace and enlightenment.
and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- Ephesians 5:1-2
To be an imitator of God is to embody the divine qualities of love, compassion, and self-sacrifice. The Bodhisattva, too, walks this path, offering their life in service to all beings, much like Christ offered himself out of love. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Bodhisattva's journey: to live a life of unconditional love and compassion, seeing the welfare of others as inseparable from our own, and offering ourselves as a fragrant sacrifice, dedicating our every thought, word, and deed to the liberation and happiness of all.
As we meditate on these verses, let us remember that the path of the Bodhisattva and the teachings of Christ both call us to a life of deep compassion, wisdom, and selfless service. May we strive to embody these virtues, walking in the light of love and truth, for the benefit of all beings.