Manjushri, thus should a sick Bodhisattva control his own mind in order to overcome old age, sickness, death, and birth. Such, Manjushri, is the sickness of the Bodhisattva. If he takes it otherwise, all his efforts will be in vain. For example, one is called a “hero” when one overcomes all enemies. Just so, one is called a “Bodhisattva” when one conquers the miseries of aging, sickness, and death.
The sick Bodhisattva should tell himself: “Just as my sickness is [empty], so the sicknesses of all living beings are [empty].” Through such considerations, he arouses great compassion toward all living beings without falling into any sentimental compassion . . .
Vimalakirti
from The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti; A Mahayana Scripture