37 Practices of a Bodhisattva Part 2

(3)

Giving up negative places, mental afflictions gradually decrease.
With no distractions, virtuous activities naturally increase.
When mind becomes clear, certainty in the dharma is born.
To rely on solitude is the practice of a bodhisattva.

(4)

Old friends and relatives will separate.
Possessions gained with exertion will be left behind.
Consciousness, the guest, will leave the guesthouse of the body.
To let go of this life is the practice of a bodhisattva.

(5)

When friendship with someone causes the three poisons to increase,
Degrades the activities of listening, reflecting and meditating,
And destroys loving-kindness and compassion,
To give up such a friendship is the practice of a bodhisattva.

(6)

When in reliance on someone your defects wane,
And your positive qualities grow like the waxing moon,
To cherish such a spiritual friend more than your own body
Is the practice of a bodhisattva.


Here's a short-and-sweet analysis:

(3): Avoid bad places. Seek good places.

(4): Don't be attached to your life and body. You're going to have to give it up eventually.*

(5,6); Avoid those who are a bad influence. Seek those who are a good influence.

*Speaking of dying, I used to want to be cremated after I die, since that's so much easier and less expensive. Reflecting on my role in the world, though, I think it would be neat to have my body disposed of in a traditional Tibetan way: letting it be fed to the vultures. In this way, I would be giving my body in an act of generosity back to the earth. Even in death, I would be helping other sentient beings. By being cremated, I wouldn't be as much benefit, disappearing in a puff of greenhouse gases and other toxic byproducts coming from the embalming chemicals.