055_BODHICITTA
Bodhicitta — The Mind of Awakening
Le Mahāyāna
Bodhicitta is the profound aspiration to attain Awakening in order to contribute to the happiness and liberation of all sentient beings. It unites two inseparable dimensions: wisdom and compassion. In
Terms
Sanskrit : Bodhicitta (बोधिचित्त)
Pāli : — (concept primarily developed in Mahāyāna)
Etymology
The word Bodhicitta is composed of:
— Bodhi: Awakening, perfect knowledge.
— Citta: mind, heart, consciousness.
It means: “The Mind of Awakening” or “The Heart that aspires to Awakening for the benefit of all beings”. Bodhicitta is considered the source of the entire Bodhisattva path.
Translations in major linguistic traditions
Sanskrit : Bodhicitta
Pāli : — (concept primarily developed in Mahāyāna)
Chinese : 菩提心 (Pútí Xīn)
Tibetan : བྱང་ཆུབ་སེམས་ (Jangchub Sem)
Japanese : 菩提心 (Bodaishin)
Korean : 보리심 (Borisim)
Vietnamese : Bồ Đề Tâm
Thai : โพธิจิต
Mongolian : Бодь сэтгэл (Bodi Setgel)
Sinhalese : බෝධිචිත්ත (Bōdhicitta)
Arabic : بوديتشيتا
Hebrew : בודהיצ'יטה
Hindi : बोधिचित्त
English : Awakening Mind • Mind of Enlightenment
French : Esprit d'Éveil • Cœur d'Éveil
Definition
Bodhicitta is the profound aspiration to attain Awakening in order to contribute to the happiness and liberation of all sentient beings. It unites two inseparable dimensions: wisdom and compassion. In Mahāyāna, it represents the true beginning of spiritual life.
The Heart of Mahāyāna
Mahāyāna considers Bodhicitta the most precious treasure. It completely transforms the way of practice. The practitioner no longer seeks only their own peace. They wish that all beings may know: freedom; serenity; wisdom; Awakening.
The Two Dimensions of Bodhicitta
Relative Bodhicitta
It is the generous intention to help all beings. It is expressed through: benevolence; compassion; patience; service.
Ultimate Bodhicitta
It corresponds to the profound understanding of: Emptiness; Interdependence; the absence of separation between self and others.
See also :
051_VACUITY
052_INTERDEPENDENCE
The Birth of Bodhicitta
Bodhicitta can arise in the face of another's suffering, during meditation, after a significant encounter, or in the silence of nature. From that moment, one's entire life takes a new direction.
Bodhicitta and the Bodhisattva
The Bodhisattva is one who continually nurtures Bodhicitta. It becomes the source of all their thoughts, words, and actions.
See also: 054_BODHISATTVA
The Six Perfections
Bodhicitta is embodied in the Pāramitās :
— generosity;
— ethics;
— patience;
— energy;
— meditation;
— wisdom.
See also: 056_PARAMITA
Bodhicitta in Daily Life
Developing Bodhicitta does not require extraordinary acts. It is expressed in the simplest gestures:
— listening attentively, protecting an animal, planting a tree, sharing knowledge, caring for a vulnerable person, contributing to peace around oneself.
Bodhicitta and Life
In the spirit of Buddhachannel, Bodhicitta naturally extends to all life. It invites us to care for human beings, animals, trees, forests, oceans, landscapes, and future generations. The Mind of Awakening then becomes a way of inhabiting the Earth with responsibility and benevolence.
Understanding According to Traditions
THERAVĀDA
The ideal of the future Buddha (Bodhisatta) prepares this vision without using the term Bodhicitta.
MAHĀYĀNA
Bodhicitta is the foundation of the entire path.
VAJRAYĀNA
Every authentic practice begins with the generation of Bodhicitta.
Associated Images and Symbols
The rising sun.
The opening lotus.
Offering hands.
The protecting tree.
Quote
“As long as beings remain, may the Mind of Awakening remain in me for their benefit.”
— Inspired by Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra
Buddhachannel — A Simple Practice
Take a few moments of silence. Then inwardly formulate this intention:
“May my thoughts, words, and actions today contribute to the happiness of at least one living being.”
A smile. Attentive listening. Discreet help. Care given to a plant, an animal, or a person. This is often how Bodhicitta is born.
Keywords
Bodhicitta • Mind of Awakening • Compassion • Mahāyāna • Bodhisattva • Pāramitā • Śāntideva • Wisdom • Interdependence • Life
Buddhachannel Multilingual Buddhist Encyclopedia
055_BODHICITTA
/glossaire/bodhicitta
The teachings of the Buddha were born in Asia. Today, they belong to the spiritual heritage of humanity. This multilingual, intercultural, and universal encyclopedia aims to make them accessible to the greatest number of people, in a spirit of dialogue between cultures, respect for traditions, and encounter between peoples.
aliénor & alain
buddhachannel