And now as long as space endures,

As long as there are beings to be found.

May I continue likewise to remain,

To drive away the sorrows of the world.

Śāntideva - 6th century Indian Scholar & Buddhist monk

Bodhisattvacaryācatāra, "Guide for Living the Way of the Bodhisattva"

Beloved Heart community,

I am enthusiastic to share that in 2026, our community will step into a shared year of bodhisattva formation. By this I mean that we are moving from practice as something we do, into practice as something that shapes how we live. My support will continue to guide by way of the seasons (specific to our local geography) and ground in the wisdom of the Himalayan traditions. Through these channels, and what I call a *Dharmic Almanac, we will explore how compassion, ethical life and presence take form in our ordinary days: in our work and family, in grief and joy, in constant change and not-knowing. It's ideal to consider this not so much a curriculum to complete, but an invitation to simply walk together, allowing the rhythms of the year, our bodies and our personal commitments to train us in becoming the best versions of ourselves.

What is a bodhisattva (bo·dhi·satt·va) exactly? This ancient Sanskrit word points to someone who is actively aspiring and dedicated to shaking off the cobwebs of complacency so that they can live in their integrity, to the benefit of all that lives. Said simply, those doing their best to be good humans, to the benefit of all. In more traditional descriptions we hear things like "living awake", "heart-motivated" or "living in appropriate response". The traditions offer examples of these beings, portrayed diversely: as the archetypal ideal, the divine and even the earthly ordinary. Furthermore, they cross cultural bounds, names, genders and forms. This wide representation of possibilities is intended to inspire us and ultimately point us back to our great universal opportunity and responsibility of being human.

It is said that the path of the bodhisattva is one of the most radical and compelling of all Buddhist forms of practice. Why? Because it contrasts with our individualistic culture, impling that deep life fulfillment and happiness can only come from serving the welfare of others as well as yourself. It is "bodhi", or the quality of an equitable mind and a pure heart, that ultimately holds the key to any and all happiness and peace. "Sattva", in the context of yoga, represents what is universally accepted as good or positive, to include: love, compassion, wisdom, intelligence, truthfulness, radiance, purity, harmony, balance, nonviolence, virtue, appropriateness and adaptability. When we are sattvic, we are living in alignment with sattva, ultimately knowing how and when to act for the greater good and without attachment to the results of that activity. The practices or technologies of yoga and Buddhism refine the heart-mind, making it/ us that much more sattvic.

I'll continue to note that this is not exclusive to these traditions - as all seek to express the human ideal. The chief consensus: human meaning and joy will not be found in isolation but through shared love, generosity and understanding. My teacher, Pema Chodron, has shared that part of her daily heart-mind training routine includes these words, "may I be free from the hopes and fears of self-centeredness (to the benefit of all)". Integrating commitments such as this, can create the neurological evolution that we are seeking to exercise in the world, as the laws of karma show that habit becomes action and action becomes our shared destiny.

I'll (re)introduce you now to what is called the bodhisattva vows/ commitments, just one of many translations based on the writings of the beloved sixth-century sage Śāntideva:

May I be a guard for those who need protection,
A guide for those on the path,
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness,
A resting place for the weary,
A healing medicine for all who are sick,
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles.
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings,
May I bring sustenance and awakening,
Enduring like the earth and sky,
Until all beings are freed from sorrow,
And all are awakened.

Does this mean that I, as an aspiring bodhisattva, am personally going to save all the humans and the many, many other living beings? How can I do so? By shaking off the delusional hopes and fears of self-centeredness! As a single solitary limited sense of solo self, yes, this will appear to be quite impossible. But when we understand that it is a broader intention of the heart, of which we are all inevitably included, we can begin to slowly fulfill it. To make such a commitment is to set your life in a specific trajectory and with a sacred purpose of wisdom and love. “We are not separate, we are interdependent,” declared the Buddha. Without understanding this, we are forever split between caring for ourselves or caring for the troubles of the world. When the world is seen with the eyes of a bodhisattva, there is no I and other, there is just us.

There is no doubt that we, the planet, the people, the whole, are calling to be mothered instead of managed. This next phase of our journey begins with the acceptance that the real work isn't in fixing yourself or the world, but in unlearning the belief that we ever needed fixing in the first place. From here life becomes a sacred opportunity that we can participate in. We become the active participant in the ever-unfolding flow that is this gift we call life. Mark Nepo writes, in The One Life We're Given, that when it comes to "the practice of being human"... we can "acknowledge that no one knows how to do this. We each must find our way... keeping each other company and comparing notes... this is why we gather". It is my honor to gather for our 8th year at Heart Center.

In reverence,

Meg Lucks

El Getsu Endō | "Brilliant Moon, Circle of the Way"

Lay-Ordained Dharma Companion

The Heart Revival Sangha

*Refer below to my Dharmic Almanac snapshot, for this month ahead, to gain some insight into the wisdom of the season + practice supports to aid your personal exploration.

Did you miss the last letter about how Heart is evolving into her next 7 year cycle?! Click for the recap HERE or below to learn more about how we are expanding our circle!