Information AboutBodhicitta |
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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''. 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
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