Bodhisattva Vow Lyrics - Ill Communication - Beastie Boys

As I develop the awakening mind 

I praise the Buddhas as they shine 

I bow before you as I travel my path 

To join your ranks, I make my full-time task 

For the sake of all beings I seek 

The enlightened mind that I know I'll reap 

Respect to Shantideva and all the others 

Who brought down the Dharma for the sisters and brothers 

I give thanks for this world as a place to learn 

And for this human body that I know I've earned 

And my deepest thanks to all sentient beings 

For without them, there would be no place to learn what I'm seeing 

There's nothing here that's not been said before 

But I put it down now so that I'll be sure 

To solidify my own views 

And I'll be glad if it helps anyone else out too 

If others disrespect me or give me flak 

I'll stop and think before I react 

Knowing that they're going through insecure stages 

I'll take the opportunity to exercise patience 

I'll see it as a chance to help the other person 

Nip it in the bud before it can worsen 

A chance for me to be strong and sure 

As I think on the Buddhas who have come before 

As I praise and respect the good they've done 

Knowing love can conquer hate in every situation 

We need other people in order to create 

The circumstances for the learning that we're here to generate 

Situations that bring up our deepest fears 

So we can work to release them until they're cleared 

Therefore, it only makes sense 

To thank our enemies despite their intent 

The Bodhisattva path is one of power and strength 

A strength from within to go the length 

Seeing others are as important as myself 

I strive for a happiness of mental wealth 

With the interconnectedness that we share as one 

Every action that we take affects everyone 

So in deciding for what a situation calls 

There is a path for the good for all 

I try to make my every action for that highest good 

With the altruistic wish to achieve Buddhahood 

So I pledge here before everyone who's listening 

To try to make my every action for the good of all beings 

For the rest of my lifetimes and even beyond 

I vow to do my best, to do no harm 

And in times of doubt, I can think on the Dharma 

And the Enlightened Ones who've graduated Samsara