Bodhicitta
From Buddhist Encyclopedia
Three Jewels
Buddha . Dharma . Sangha
Three Dharma Seals
Anicca . Dukkha . Anatta
Karma . Rebirth
Samsara . Nirvana
Four Noble Truths
Seven Sets
Four Frames of Reference
Four Right Exertions
Four Bases of Power
Five Faculties
Five Strengths
Seven Factors of Awakening
Noble Eightfold Path
Bodhisattva
Four Great Vows
Ten Great Vows
In Buddhist thought, bodhicitta (Ch. 菩提心, pudixin, Jp. bodaishin) is the motivation of a bodhisattva. Etymologically, this is the combination of the words Bodhi or enlightenment, and Citta - "heart-mind", and is sometime translated as mind of enlightenment. It can be seen as both the means and the goal: the wish spiritually to Awaken, in order to liberate all beings, and also the ultimate state of Awakened Mind.
Bodhicitta is invariably taught to be selfless determination, as the purpose of enlightenment is not for ones-self, but for the benefit of all beings.
According to the teachings of Shantideva and his followers, there are two aspirations of Bodhicitta:
- The desire for enlightenment - similar to wishing to travel to India.
- Practicing for enlightenment - similar to actually travelling to India.
It is also divided in two different kinds:
- Relative Bodhicitta - based on compassion for all, the wish to gain enlightenment to help others
- Absolute Bodhicitta - based on Relative Bodhicitta the practice and insight of the wisdom of emptiness of madhyamaka.
There are also other divisions (3 or 22).
In Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhism, Bodhicitta is the premier motivating factor for one's practice. It is said that without grounding in bodhicitta, the practice is all for naught.
References
- White, Kenneth R. 2005. The Role of Bodhicitta in Buddhist Enlightenment. New York : The Edwin Mellen Press. [includes translations of the following: Bodhicitta-sastra, Benkemmitsu-nikyoron, Sammaya-kaijo]
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