Aspirations

Sujata's Aspiration vs Gotama's Aspiration

It is traditional for Buddhists to make aspirations. But what do they aspire for and how do they do it? Some following local cultures would offer for eg lights, flowers, etc before making their aspiration. And many will wish for material and worldly gains such as wealth, good health and happiness. What is the true perspective of making aspiration? Let us go back to the time just before the Buddha's Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. There was Sujata who has just got her wish fulfilled after making her request from the Bodhi Tree. She came back to offer the milk-rice as a "repayment" to the "Deva of the Bodhi Tree". At the same time our Bodhisatta had made his aspiration that he will not rise from his seat until he attained enlightenment to the Truth he was searching. He then selected the Bodhi Tree as the venue for his meditation. That is when Sujata mistakenly thought that the Bodhisatta was the deva of the Bodhi Tree and offered Gotama his meal. He then strived on to attain enlightenment on that night. Now what is the right method of making aspiration? Aspiration is NOT making WISHES! A Buddhist makes aspiration to re-focus his spiritual strive towards Enlightenment. Making an Aspiration should be carried out after (and not before) one has performed a meritorious deed such as Dana (generosity). "By the power of Truth from these meritorious actions of mine, may I continue to have opportunity to learn the Dhamma, to practice them and to realize them until I attain Nibbana." One may aspire for worldly gain with the objectives to support his/her spiritual striving. "With this healthy body, may I be able to walk this Path with great determination and strength until I reach the Peace of Nibbana" Let us focus our good merits to achieve more meaningful actions that will contribute to the well being of both others and our selves. "By the power of Truth, may you continue to walk the Noble 8 fold Path that our Teacher taught ".