What is Bodhichitta? | Buddhism A

Bodhichitta (sometimes spelled bodhicitta) is the term used in Mahayana Buddhism for enlightened mind. It is the combination of wisdom—understanding the true nature of reality—and compassion—the commitment to save all sentient beings from suffering. Bodhichitta is sometimes called “the heart-mind of the Buddha.”

The development of the enlightened mind of bodhichitta is the basic goal of Mahayana practice. As the essence of the bodhisattva path, it also refers to the bodhisattva’s vow to attain enlightenment in order to free all sentient beings from suffering.

Different Aspects of Bodhichitta

In Tibetan Buddhism, bodhichitta is divided into relative bodhichitta and ultimate bodhichitta, which correspond to the two aspects of compassion and wisdom.

Relative Bodhichitta

This refers to the heartfelt aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others. It involves cultivating great compassion and desiring to save all sentient beings from suffering. Out of their great compassion, the bodhisattva may even delay or forgo their own enlightenment in order to remain in samsara to benefit suffering beings.

Ultimate Bodhichitta

This refers to the direct, experiential understanding of reality — specifically, the wisdom of realizing emptiness as the ultimate nature of all phenomena. This wisdom helps to uproot the fundamental ignorance that is the cause of all suffering.

The Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Bodhisattvas and aspiring bodhisattvas cultivate bodhicitta through the practice of the six transcendent perfections, or paramitas: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. They practice these perfections as a way to realize their enlightened intention and benefit sentient beings as fully as possible. Teachings by well-known Buddhist figures such Shantideva, Atisha, and others also teach the practitioner how to cultivate bodhichitta.

As renowned Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön writes, “Bodhichitta is capable of transforming the hardest of hearts and the most prejudiced and fearful minds.” Buddhism teaches that this mind of enlightenment is available to anyone. By cultivating it, we can better the lives of ourselves and others.