Take Care of Yourself

As the year of will draws to a close, I've been coming across something in my magical journey that I wanted to share because, surprise surprise, I have a bit of an unorthodox take on it. Specifically, the Bodhisattva Vow. I've now met a few practitioners that took it on and I feel led to discuss why I've rejected it personally.

If you want to know the Vow itself, Wikipedia has a great article on the various formations and applications throughout history. But, at a very cursory level, it's an oath that you will work to liberate all souls, no matter how many reincarnations it takes. It's a very noble goal and I have nothing but respect for those who have taken on the Vow.

However, I've taken a more "put on your own oxygen mask first" kind of approach where I'm more focused on making sure I have the tools to liberate myself before I try to save others (as, without those tools, the help you can provide is very limited). I also have faith that the goal of the Vow has been accomplished completely and that adding myself to that effort would become an exercise in ego more than something that actually helps.

In any event, if you're tempted to add something similar to your practice, just know it's not a small thing. Don't take it on unless you're sure.

Pictured: In supporting yourself, you are helping others in ways you will never know.