You know for years the term Bodhichitta has crossed my path as I study Buddhist philosophies and texts. I’ve always said to myself… one day I am going to dig in and study what Bodhichitta is. For the last year or more I have been exploring The Way of The Bodhisattva by Shantideva. This morning on reviewing it a bit again I thought maybe today is the day I dig a bit deeper in understanding.
So that is what I am going to share and try to answer today in a basic way – What is Bodhichitta?
In doing some research to get started this is some of what I found…
Bodhichitta (from Sanskrit: बोधिचित्त) is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhism. It refers to the mind or heart that is motivated by compassion and the aspiration to attain enlightenment (Buddhahood) for the benefit of all sentient beings.
The term combines two words:
- Bodhi – meaning “awakening” or “enlightenment”
- Chitta – meaning “mind” or “heart”
Bodhichitta is often described as having two aspects:
1. Relative Bodhichitta –
The intention and effort to work toward the enlightenment of oneself and others, as well as the compassionate actions that stem from this intention.
2. Ultimate Bodhichitta –
The direct realization of the true nature of reality (emptiness) through wisdom, which transcends conceptual thought.
To explore these two aspects, I found this video by Joseph Goldstein that I found kind of interesting. Have a listen and see what you think.
Cultivating bodhichitta involves developing deep compassion, loving-kindness, and wisdom. The practices of the Six Paramitas (generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom) are central to developing and embodying bodhichitta.
How does one cultivate Bodhichita ?
Cultivating bodhichitta is a gradual process that involves developing both deep compassion and wisdom. The practice is rooted in shifting the focus from self-centered concern to the welfare of all sentient beings, while also cultivating insight into the true nature of reality (emptiness).
I do not think I have any level of knowledge or wisdom above anyone else. What I do find interesting is this personal exploration is that although bodhichitta as a term is newer to me (less than 4 or 5 years) the action feels like something I explored long before I knew anything about Buddhism. What I mean is in 2013 my world kind of crumbled and as part of my way to get out of my deep suffering I felt called to “save the world”. I know, I know… man, what ego this guy has. Right?
Well, only through hitting rock bottom did I awaken to the idea of doing things to help others instead of always being focused on myself and my intent to win and find success. I certainly pivoted from self-focused to reflecting on what are the small things I can do daily to try to make the world a little better for others.
I have not done anything outstanding to change the world but I do a lot of small things to make a few days brighter for some. I take joy in brightening someone’s day, or just getting a smile from a stranger, for holding the door for them out in the world. I think this is the gradual process. This stuff starts small and as these small things become a part of who you are then you can offer bigger things. It compounds.
Bringing things back to Buddhism, here’s a structured approach based on traditional Mahayana teachings:
1. Cultivate Loving-Kindness and Compassion
Recognize the equality of self and others
- Reflect on how all beings wish to be happy and free from suffering, just like you.
- Understand that the happiness and suffering of others are as important as your own.
Practice the Four Immeasurables (Brahmaviharas)
- Loving-kindness (Metta) – Wishing happiness for self and for all beings.
- Compassion (Karuna) – Wishing that all beings be free from suffering.
- Empathetic Joy (Mudita) – Rejoicing in the happiness and success of others.
- Equanimity (Upekkha) – Remaining balanced and unbiased toward all beings.
2. Develop the Wish to Attain Enlightenment for the Benefit of All Beings
Reflect on the preciousness of human life
- Recognize how rare and valuable it is to have a human birth with the opportunity to practice the Dharma.
- Use this opportunity wisely to cultivate the path toward awakening.
Contemplate the reality of impermanence and death
- Understand that life is fleeting and that death is certain — but the time of death is uncertain.
- This awareness creates urgency to practice bodhichitta sincerely.
Reflect on the nature of suffering (Samsara)
- Contemplate how all beings are caught in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
- Develop the wish to liberate not only yourself but all beings from this cycle.
3. Practice "Exchanging Self and Others" (Tonglen)
- Tonglen (meaning “sending and taking”) is a powerful practice for developing bodhichitta:
- Visualize taking in the suffering of others with compassion as you inhale.
- Imagine sending out happiness, peace, and loving-kindness as you exhale.
- This practice helps dissolve self-clinging and strengthens your compassionate motivation.
- Tonglen (meaning “sending and taking”) is a powerful practice for developing bodhichitta:
4. Train in the Six Paramitas (Perfections)
The Paramitas are the heart of the bodhisattva practice and help deepen both compassion and wisdom:
- Generosity – Give without attachment or expectation of return.
- Ethical conduct – Act with integrity, non-harming, and kindness.
- Patience – Develop tolerance and understanding toward difficulties and harm.
- Joyful effort – Engage in practice with enthusiasm and perseverance.
- Concentration – Cultivate meditative stability and focus.
- Wisdom – Develop insight into the nature of reality (emptiness).
5. Dedicate Merit and Reaffirm the Bodhisattva Vow
- After each session of practice, dedicate the merit for the awakening of all beings.
- Reaffirm your commitment to the bodhisattva path with prayers or vows, such as:
“May I attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.”
6. Develop Insight into Emptiness (Ultimate Bodhichitta)
- Recognize that all phenomena, including the self and others, lack inherent existence.
- Meditate on the interdependent nature of all things.
- Realizing emptiness directly transforms compassion into wisdom-based bodhichitta.
Key Attitude:
- Start where you are — don’t worry if you don’t feel profound compassion right away.
- Be patient and gentle with yourself. Developing bodhichitta is a lifelong process.
- Keep your motivation clear: it’s not about personal achievement but about helping all beings awaken.