Bodhisattva Poems | Examples

A Real Bodhisattva

A bodhisattva is the Buddhist equivalent
Of a warrior for Christ, who is well on their way
To being Christlike themselves.
Of course there are many degrees of bodhisattva
From those who only have the wish to be
To those who actually are.
Literally millions are examples of the former.
The Dalai Lama is a good example of the latter.
Real bodhisattvas are rare.
Their hallmark is infinite love and compassion
For all beings
Combined with deep insight
Into the true nature of reality.
This week the world lost a real bodhisattva
In the form of a young American patriot,
Who at just 31 years old
Had successfully reached a whole generation
Galvanizing many young people
To critically look within  
And embrace traditional American values
Of family, honesty, integrity, openness,
Love, tolerance, inclusivity, and faith.
And for this he was martyred.
The world is a better place 
For having known Charlie Kirk.
But it is certainly not a better place without him
Unless we take up his mantle
Take the torch, and shield and sword
And become real warriors of Christ
Bodhisattvas in the army of truth.

(9/12/25)

I sit beneath a sacred tree. Seeking no meaning. I just am
Stillness gives way to clarity. 
I vow to awaken us all
Searching for nothing. Waiting to rise above this earthly realm 
Detaching from this body’s natural state of chaos
Bombarding all senses, numb
Dharma is obtainable, I vow to obtain it

("Mind's Eye", 2017, original encaustic)

Nature of Mind

This state, not the external one
Of time and place, but the natural state 
That knows no in or out, one or many,
Is our true home. And yet we wander 
Endlessly searching for what is already here.

What is this state?
Open, welcoming, forgiving, peaceful,
Without causes and conditions
Thus unborn and undying,
The simply spacious nature of our mind.

Relax now in this state, this home
This very moment
To embody its changeless nature,
And so renewed,
To share the joy.

(1/15/24)

The purest souls 
glide on wings of light.
Illumination is not necessarily 
the effect but, 
a soul’s calling to enlightenment.
You awaken when you 
see beyond mortality
a Bodhisattva I be,
come join me.  
Awaken to the 
ecstasy of flight,
the light calls
and I will teach you;
Nirvana is yours.

In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva is an enlightened person who gives up his personal salvation in order to save all living beings through mercy.

To hear, to ignore the consequences,
to give up everything, to sever ties
with common sense, to go along with senses
which choose the bumpy roads to the skies,
to bare yourself, to strip away enigmas
of body, to expose private parts
of soul and, notwithstanding norms and stigmas,
to answer the last call for lonely hearts.

That’s bodhisattva’s way. It's pretty hard
to answer calls of every lonely heart.

31.10.2019
for contest LAST CALL FOR LONELY HEARTS – COLLABORATION 
sponsored by Line Gauthier

I met a Bodhisattva yesterday.
It was, of course, by pure accident.
He helped me with my luggage on the way.
Waiting for the train with bored intent,
I walked aimlessly around the station,
checking out ads and bulletin boards,
found an article with illustration
of a man, who, for many years, unloads
passenger's baggage, helps loved ones
find each other, soothed rumpled feelings, 
allayed young ones fears of the train that comes,
all things done as unpaid volunteering's.
An enlightened life of service without ego.
Who will take his place so he can go?

Soulful
searching
natural embrace
under a tree

Spellbound 
drawn in
aura 
captures me

Sit down 
in a zone 
sense nothing 
just be

River flowing 
tranquil thought
Quiet mind 
I am free.

II


So REAL E
                     Ashlee Woman

please meet me
                            Half the Way,

 and I’ll make sure
       That it’s Me

 you want to

             Consummately lay

with

    Under soley shoefull
    Jacuzzi whirlpool
    Sunder Bluefull
                                 Showers
                                            Where together

      We’ll unleash our
wonderful & wiccan powers, and

You know...

                      I never want anyone
                      To be in pain;

I’ve had enough
 for all of Us
                   To put it very plain,

 to deliver such
                        Rich message,

  As though from above,

  So hear me Ashlee,

     And this time
             Listen good,

     I’d give You my

     Heart and being
  
     If I only could
 
              Encased with

               Silly simple songs

                 Of sincerity,   peace,   and	  love.

Looking for the formal definition, structure, and history of this poetry form? Visit the Poetry Dictionary entry below. Then return to explore how PoetrySoup members bring the form to life through their own poems.