What is Bodhichitta?
The heart of Tibetan Buddhism: an 8 minute video explanation
The folded hands of my precious lama Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. In Tibetan Buddhism the position of the palms is cupped rather than flat - a physical recognition that we hold the precious jewel of bodhichitta in our hands
Tibetan Buddhism is known for its many tools to help train the mind, reframe our perspective of reality, and cultivate happiness of both mundane and supreme varieties.
Different lamas and lineages place different emphasis on these practices, so that someone new to the Dharma can feel quite overwhelmed. Where to begin?
There is one practice that all lamas will tell you is paramount. A motivation so fundamental that, without it, none of the other practices are nearly so beneficial. But with it, no matter how confused or dim-witted we may be, all becomes possible!
I am talking, of course, about bodhichitta. And I’m happy to share this eight minute video with an introduction to what it is about.
Those of you who prefer to watch this videos on Youtube can do so here.
By way of a brief recap:
Bodhichitta is the main concept that defines Tibetan Buddhism/mahayana Buddhism
bodhi = enlightened/awakened
chitta/cita = mind/heart
Maitreya’s definition of bodhichitta: For the sake of others, the wish to become enlightened
An example of bodhichitta motivation: “By this act of generosity/purification/love/kindness etc may I become enlightened to lead all other beings to this same state”
Bodhichitta is sometimes called “the mind of infinite altruism” because the number of beings we wish to help is infinite. Our wish is for them to exist in a state beyond all suffering - a motivation far greater than only the satisfaction of mundane needs.
Bodichitta rests on the motivations of love, compassion and equanimity.
Actions motivated by ordinary kindness has a karmic result that reflects the number of beings being helped, and the motivation of the one helping them. Actions motivated by bodhichitta has a karmic result that can never be exhausted because the number of beings recollected is infinite and the motivation is supreme.
Our purpose is to recollect bodhichitta throughout the day in relation to as many actions as possible - making tea/coffee, feeding others, washing, using the bathroom, watering plants etc.
Our objective is to turn ‘bodhichitta’ from an object of the mind - i.e. something we think about, to our subjective mind - the way we see reality. For bodhichitta to become heartfelt and spontaneous.
The idea of this practice is embody bodhichitta in order to transform our actions of body, speech and mind to those of the most authentic, powerful and transcendent kind.
A couple of pics I just had to share!
Two of the kittens and orphaned vervet monkeys who have bonded so closely at Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary, one of the causes we support.
Kadiki, the lioness at Twala Trust, enjoying the autum sunshine.
May love, compassion, joy and equanimity pervade the hearts and minds of all limitless beings throughout universal space!
Thank you (again) for the clear explanation of such an important subject!
Thank you David. Your post reminded me of the first time I encountered Sogyal Rinpoche"s The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Many years ago as a geriatric nurse , I was the only witness to one of my residents dying. He had no living family and I felt bad that he would be alone. I still remember his name and face, and as I stood at his bedside observing his last breaths, I suddenly realized the immense gift I was being given at being present with him at this time of transition. I just remained standing by his side and thinking/speaking "You are not alone." After his death, I remember looking around his room and I felt he wanted me to take a little seashell from his dresser as a remembrance. Somehow the book became present in my life at that time period, and it opened my heart to so much. Since that experience I have been privileged to be with many others, human and non-human, at the times of their deaths. I am grateful and humbled.