I AM THE BOATMAN

The Path of A Boatman Bodhisattva

Today I’d like to talk a bit about my personal mission, which is to help others with their struggles, and help them transform their suffering and pain into mindful openness, gratitude and joy.

I am on the path of the Boatman Bodhisattva. I venture willingly into darkness; because it is there I find those who are searching, and I ferry them to the light. I aspire to become “enlightened” simultaneously with other sentient beings, helping to relieve their suffering, and encouraging them along the way.

For those on the path of the Boatman, we do this by allowing the experience and exploring our personal pain and suffering to its fullest extent. Doing so gives us a greater understanding so that we may help others more efficiently.

What??? You actually explore your suffering? Yes... I do.
Aren't you afraid of attracting more suffering? No... I'm not.


Don't let the modern Positive Thinking Movement make you think that you will. That belief is a false indoctrination from modern gurus.

These days it is so easy for people to get caught up in the whole “Positive Thinking Movement”, which has its merit for sure. We absolutely should think about positive things to create a positive life of love and light. We should focus on happiness and joy. We should want to end our struggles and just BE.

I do not argue that.

But how helpful is light if it is not taken into the dark places, with the courage to deal with the disturbing, the unspeakable, and the broken... and bringing those who are there back home to the light?

You see, a true understanding of Divine Oneness shows us that if you are suffering, I am also suffering. If I suffer, then you suffer. Evidence of this is easy to see in our interactions with others, lending support to a friend, working through a rough patch with a lover, or lending a hand to someone in need.

We all influence each other in so many ways, and the world we are living in was co-created by all of us. We are all facets on the same diamond… but diamonds do not shine in the dark and treasure is not found in the light.

If we want our treasure, and wish for our diamond to sparkle, we must venture into darkness to retrieve it.

With that in mind, how can we not help each other when we’re in pain? How can we not reach our hearts out to our co-creators?

Modern New Age thinking says "It's okay to be selfish". It says that if a person is in darkness, to turn your back and walk away, lest they drag you into the darkness with them. The indoctrination of modern New Age thought has helped create a world of selfishness and arrogance. And with it, comes judgment of those who are still in the dark. That is an elevation of self above another... spiritual arrogance, if you will.

For a Boatman Bodhisattva, we cannot just just dance in the light and shout "fortune-cookie-philosophy" toward the darkness, call ourselves "Lightworker"... we are emissaries of the Light, sent into darkness to bring a spark to those who are in need. We straddle the line between metaphysical dimensions - often living our lives in the lower dimensions to help other transcend to the next higher state. It is our chosen duty - our sacred contract - to help relieve the suffering and help them along their path to higher awareness.

Given this view, coupled with understanding of an interconnected world, I am obligated to help others, to connect to others, in whatever way I can.

For me, walking the path of the Boatman means:

1. Avoid hurting others when possible... And help others do the same.
2. Releasing my judgment of others to become more understanding, loving, and compassionate. And help others do the same.
3. Being mindful of my own pain - and working through that pain – in order to heal and learn. And help others do the same.
4. Connecting with my own tender heart and basic goodness, so I can help others do the same.
5. Being forgiving of myself - and others - when imperfect; and seeing the goodness underneath imperfect actions. And help others do the same.
6. Loving myself – and others – in every way I’m capable. And help others do the same. 

This is the Bodhisattva Path, as I see it. It’s working through my own suffering and abilities to love, so that I can connect with others at this level and help them do the same.

I am the Boatman. I venture willingly into darkness to ferry others to the light. Would you like a ride?


- The Boatman