First, I want to make one point clear. Although today we are distinguishing between conceptual bodhicitta and genuine bodhicitta, we should still hold conceptual bodhicitta in deep respect. Indeed, we should have profound reverence even for the very term "bodhicitta".
I once had the following experience that left a deep impression on me. One year, several Dharma brothers and I traveled to Larung Five Sciences Buddhist Academy. There, I had the great fortune to sit in the same room and receive teachings from Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö, Khenpo Sodargye, Khenpo Yeshe Phuntsok, and Khenpo Chimé Rigdzin.
During the gathering, one Dharma brother became so emotional that his face flushed bright red. He exclaimed, "I am determined to generate bodhicitta just like all of you!" I have always had the habit of observing whether a person's aspiration is genuine, and after watching him for a moment, I immediately pointed out that his bodhicitta was not authentic.
What surprised me was that Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö, who is ordinarily gentle and seldom speaks to others in a sharp or forceful manner, suddenly turned toward me and said with great seriousness, "Even a false one is precious." This experience left a profound impression on me and became an unforgettable lesson.
Therefore, although today we distinguish between conceptual bodhicitta and genuine bodhicitta, as followers of the Mahāyāna, we should always hold the very term bodhicitta in the deepest reverence. Even conceptual bodhicitta should never be dismissed or treated lightly.
— Excerpted and compiled from Genuine Bodhicitta and Conceptual Bodhicitta
This article is a preliminary translation draft and has not yet been reviewed or proofread by the speaker.
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