The Prophet Joel
Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1512

My dear friends,

Interpreting Joel 2:28-29 through the lens of Bodhicitta, the "Awakening Mind" of love, compassion, and wisdom, offers a profound and inclusive understanding of this prophetic scripture. Let us explore its meaning in the context of the Bodhisattva path.

If we understand the "spirit" to be bodhicitta, this phrase signifies the universal accessibility of awakening. Bodhicitta, like the divine outpouring described in Joel, transcends boundaries of age, gender, class, and status. It reflects the profound truth that every being has the innate capacity to cultivate the awakened heart and mind, embodying compassion and wisdom.This innate capacity is not reserved for an elite few or a specific group. It is a universal potential, poured upon "all flesh" — all sentient beings — without distinction or favoritism.

Prophecy, in this context, can symbolize the wisdom and insight that arise from bodhicitta. When the awakened mind is cultivated, it naturally brings forth clarity and a vision of the ultimate truth. Sons and daughters prophesying suggests that this wisdom is not limited by biological or social distinctions. All who cultivate bodhicitta can embody this prophetic insight, speaking and acting from a place of deep understanding and love.

Dreams and visions symbolize the transformative power of bodhicitta to inspire and guide beings toward a higher purpose. For the elderly, dreams may signify the fruition of a lifetime's spiritual maturation, a deeper connection with the divine essence. For the young, visions represent the dawning of potential and the forward-looking energy of bodhicitta, driving them toward compassionate action.

This inclusivity reflects the Bodhisattva's practice of meeting beings at their level of development and inspiring them with the vision of liberation, whether they are near the culmination of their path or just beginning.

The mention of slaves emphasizes the radical equality of all beings in their capacity for awakening. No one is excluded from the outpouring of bodhicitta. This resonates with the Buddhist teaching that the potential for enlightenment exists even in those who appear to be in the most difficult circumstances, bound by suffering or oppression.

This inclusivity also calls the practitioner to cultivate equanimity and recognize the dignity and worth of every being. The Bodhisattva path challenges us to see beyond conventional distinctions and embrace the divine potential inherent in all.

When interpreted as bodhicitta, Joel 2:28-29 becomes a visionary proclamation of the universal and transformative power of love, compassion, and wisdom. It aligns with the Bodhisattva's aspiration to liberate all beings, regardless of their conditions or limitations, and reflects the Christian teaching of divine grace as boundless and inclusive.

The prophetic vision invites us to embody bodhicitta ourselves, becoming channels through which this "spirit" flows to others. As we cultivate the awakening mind, we too can prophesy, dream, and envision, inspiring others to awaken to their true nature and their ultimate potential for boundless compassion and wisdom.