From: The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shāntideva
Bodhisattva: A compassionate being who renounces the peace of individual enlightenment and vows to help to others escape the repeated habits of mind and patterns of behavior that create suffering. Introduced to the world by an 8th century Indian scholar and saint, Shāntideva, and central to the teaching of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Bodhisattva Dilemma: A name given to a complex individual and cultural phenomenon contemplated by a 21st century North American psychotherapist, Janiece Anjali, (me!) while supporting clients healing from interpersonal and socially imposed narcissistic misuse and abuse. This exploration is grounded in mindful, somatic, narrative, feminist, neo-Jungian and psychoanalytic approaches to help others extricate themselves from the habits of mind and repeated behaviors that cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
As a psychotherapist, I often support people recovering from interpersonal and socially imposed narcissistic misuse and abuse. This blog reflects my thoughts on a complex phenomenon I call The Bodhisattva Dilemma. For me and many of my clients, acknowledging this intricate endowment, when it arises, is an important part of healing and becoming more resilient in the face of relational and social trauma. The content is psychoeducational and philosophical. It is not therapy, but it may have a part in supporting post-traumatic growth and greater wellbeing for you and those in your sphere of influence. If you are concerned about individuals and institutions that keep repeating behaviors that cause harm, this blog may be for you.
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