Dharma Teachings

His Holiness the Sakya Trichen (the 41st Sakya Trizin) gave this two-day teaching at the request of the Singapore Buddha Sasana Society (Sakya Tenphel Ling) on March 10 and 11, 2009.

Bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment, is a central concept for practitioners of the Mahāyāna path, representing the commitment to attaining buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. As followers of this tradition, we are reminded to arise, uphold, and cultivate bodhicitta, ensuring that all our actions—even the pursuit of buddhahood—are dedicated to the welfare of all beings.

But what does it truly mean to cultivate, uphold, and practice bodhicitta? How does this connect to the bodhisattva vow and its conferment ceremony?

The practice of bodhicitta is profound, enduring from the moment we embark on the Mahāyāna path until the ultimate goal of full awakening, much like a marathon. Its depth lies in training the mind to serve others and refining it—eliminating subtle self-cherishing and attachment.

This teaching on the bodhisattva vows addresses these questions and explores the points raised above, offering essential tools for mental transformation. To aid in understanding, the editorial team has included simple illustrations to clarify these complex precepts, making them more accessible. We hope these visuals enhance your study.

Source: We extend our gratitude to Singapore Sakya Tenphel Ling for sharing the audio recording of this teaching with us.

Bodhisattvas and buddhas are not born as such. Buddha Shakyamuni cultivated the supreme bodhicitta, the awakened mind, and spent three countless eons accumulating merit and wisdom as a bodhisattva. Ultimately, he achieved perfect awakening. This journey highlights the power of bodhicitta and the importance of consistent practice, while showing how beings like Shakyamuni, who followed this path, serve as inspiring role models. Just as Shakyamuni attained buddhahood through bodhisattva practice, each of us can aspire to bodhicitta, follow the bodhisattva path, and ultimately become a buddha.

Bodhicitta is the foundation of the path to enlightenment. Once bodhicitta arises, the practice of the bodhisattva path begins. The phrase, "May bodhicitta arise in those in whom it has not arisen; may it never decline where it has arisen; may it continue to increase, further and further!" reminds us that the arising and preservation of bodhicitta require continuous effort and practice. So, how can we generate and nurture this precious bodhicitta in our daily lives?

Are the bodhisattva vows and precepts merely rules to follow? What is their purpose, and what are their benefits? These questions will be explored in this teaching, helping us realize that the bodhisattva vows are essential tools for achieving complete enlightenment.