Whatever the Mind Is Saturated With, That It Becomes
Our greatest attachment is self-grasping. The moment we open our eyes—even while we are dreaming—the sense of “I” relentlessly dominates and manipulates our minds, though we seldom recognize it. Once bodhicitta genuinely arises, it begins to dissolve this deeply rooted attachment.
What Are the Forces of the Mind?
Attachment is not reasonable. Although conceptually we may understand that all phenomena lack inherent existence, the mind itself cannot genuinely experience that reality, nor can it thereby eliminate attachment.
The Two Levels of Renunciation
So what, then, is genuine renunciation? Renunciation means that a powerful aspiration arises within the heart—a sincere wish to be free from the three realms of existence
The Reasons Why Genuine Renunciation Fails to Arise (Part Four)
There is yet another, more fundamental reason why genuine renunciation fails to arise—the fourth one: we do not have a deep understanding of circle of rebirth(saṃsāra). Deep down, we do not truly believe in it.
Three Ways of Generating Bodhicitta（Part One）
There are three ways of generating bodhicitta. The first is the king-like aspiration: I will first attain Buddhahood, and then lead all sentient beings to Buddhahood. The second is the ferryman-like aspiration: Like a ferryman who carries everyone across the river, I will attain Buddhahood together with all sentient beings. The third is the shepherd-like aspiration: May all sentient beings attain Buddhahood first, I shall become a Buddha only after the last one has done so.
Why Can Conceptual Bodhicitta Gradually Become Genuine?
A firm and stable bodhicitta is one of the prerequisites for entering the Accumulation Path (saṃbhāra-mārga). This is because the mind possesses an intrinsic capacity for connection: our motivation links together everything we do under its influence. The motivation behind an action determines the corresponding result. This is what we commonly call dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda).
Even Conceptual Bodhicitta Is Precious
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.
Over A Decade of Practice, Yet Still Unhappy Upon Seeing Others: What Went Wrong
If one lacks even the slightest intention to serve others, is unwilling to endure even a small loss for others’ benefit, yet constantly proclaims, “For the benefit of all sentient beings, I vow to attain Buddhahood,” then who is being deceived?
No Seed, No Fruit: The Law of Cause and Effect
One who has genuinely generated bodhicitta is motivated by the willingness to accept loss and hardship for oneself while offering benefit and victory to others. Personal gain and loss are no longer the primary concern. When the merit of such practice eventually ripens, one no longer clings to receiving its rewards. Precisely because nothing is sought for oneself, merit often manifests naturally and unexpectedly.
Why Does Letting Go of the Self Bring Happiness?
In reality, there is no inherently existent "self" to abandon. So what is there to let go of? When the mind clearly sees that within the mental continuum there is no entity called ‘self’--that is the abandonment of self. The "self" is nothing more than a manifestation of ignorance.
The Trials of Favorable and Adverse Circumstances for Bodhicitta
When genuine and powerful bodhicitta is truly aroused, its transformative effects naturally manifest within one's mental continuum. Once these effects arise, doubt gradually disappears, and letting go of self-centeredness becomes entirely natural, because it no longer feels like a painful sacrifice.
Genuine Practice Lies in Putting the Teachings into Practice
To actualize this instruction means applying it in every situation one encounters. To integrate it into one's mental continuum means constantly examining whether one's thoughts and actions truly accord with the teachings. This is what genuine practice is. By doing so day after day, they gradually became great accomplished masters without even realizing it.
The Buddha Dharma Has Power—We Just Don't Take It Seriously
Ultimately, we study Buddhism in pursuit of happiness—both temporary happiness and ultimate happiness. But as long as we continue clinging to the self, we will never experience the happiness taught in the Buddhadharma, nor will the immeasurable qualities described in The Bodhicaryāvatāra ever manifest.
Do Not Let Time Quietly Slip Away in Meaningless Entanglements
To follow the path of the Bodhisattvas is to learn to willingly accept loss, and to learn how to transform afflictions amid apparent disadvantage, until ultimately there remains no “loss” left to endure.
What is the Greatest Function of Conventional Bodhicitta?
Conventional bodhicitta serves many specific functions. When the mind are dedicated to benefiting others and fully focused on sentient beings, it produces one especially profound effect: it suppresses self-grasping (ātmagrāha). The suppression of self-grasping naturally gives rise to happiness, because the root of all suffering is precisely self-grasping.
Characteristics of Bodhicitta (Part Three)
Wrong views give rise to extremely destructive actions, harming both others and oneself. Those who genuinely uphold and practice the law of karma, however, are different. They cultivate kindness, treat others with goodwill, and practice generosity. As these wholesome actions gradually accumulate, they naturally experience greater inner peace and serenity.
Why Does Conceptual Bodhicitta Make Us Suffer?
Imagine two people who both need a sum of money. A self-centered person finds happiness only in obtaining the money personally; another person's gain or loss has nothing to do with them. Someone who has genuinely generated bodhicitta, however, discovers that seeing another person receive the money brings even greater joy than receiving it oneself.
Is Seeing the Guru as a Buddha a Form of Blind Worship?
If even the yellow flowers are manifestations of the nature of mind, then naturally your guru is also an expression of that same nature, and therefore also Buddha. Thus, seeing the guru as a Buddha has a profound philosophical basis. Unfortunately, many people do not study these principles and instead engage in blind worship.
Knowing We Lack Bodhicitta, What Comes Next?
When a person's bodhicitta becomes truly genuine, it naturally manifests in certain ways. Such a person becomes gentle and soft-hearted, and comes to understand that all the mistakes of others are worthy of forgiveness.
The Real Reason for Insufficient Spiritual Capacity
Therefore, to completely fail to understand one’s own mind, while also making no effort to observe it, is precisely what is meant by insufficient spiritual capacity.