Definition
In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the awakening spirit that aspires to Buddhism in order to work for the liberation of all beings.
Bodhicitta does not only mean being kind. It unites compassion and wisdom of emptiness, with wishes, perfections and disciplines that vary according to the schools.
To be retained
- Place it in the mahāyāna
- Uniting compassion and wisdom
- Moving from aspiration to action
- Avoid the lonely savior
Origin of the term and context
Sanskrit bodhicitta combines bodhi, "awakening", and citta, "spirit-heart." The texts distinguish in particular the aspiration and the effective commitment in the path of bodhisattva.
Why does it matter?
It is a central religious orientation of the Mahāyāna, not a psychological trait that can be measured in its entirety. Its practices can be studied without reducing Buddhism to personal wellbeing.
- Place it in the mahāyāna
- Uniting compassion and wisdom
- Moving from aspiration to action
- Avoid the lonely savior
How can it be explored or practised?
- Read the vows of bodhisattva in a specific tradition
- Choosing a useful and sustainable action
- Examine whether aid respects autonomy
- Cultivate the ability to receive support
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Helping all beings does not require exhaustion.
- The vow gives no superiority.
- Bodhicitta is not a technique of personal protest.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Madhyamaka: Inseparable compassion of emptiness.
- Tibetan Buddhism: trainings of the mind and wishes.
- Zen: wishes of bodhisattva integrated into community practice.
To go further
- The Walk to Awakening — Shantideva
- The Joy of Liberation — Gampopa