Bodhicitta
The wish to awaken for all beings, and its expression in the training of a bodhisattva.
Compassion directed toward awakening · Patrul Rinpoche
In An Essential Instruction on Refuge and Bodhicitta, Patrul Rinpoche describes two indispensable aspects: compassion directed toward sentient beings and the intention directed toward complete awakening. Concern for others and the aim of Buddhahood belong together in his account.
He connects this motivation with generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, concentration and wisdom: the six perfections of the bodhisattva path.
Patrul Rinpoche · Refuge and Bodhicitta · translated by Adam Pearcey
Aspiring and engaged bodhicitta · Śāntideva
In Bodhicaryāvatāra chapter 1, verses 15–19, Śāntideva distinguishes wishing to awaken from undertaking the actions of a bodhisattva. His comparison is the difference between wishing to make a journey and actually setting out.
Both have value, but the commitment expressed in action has a distinctive role. This distinction concerns motivation and its enactment, rather than two different goals. The intention extends to the liberation and wellbeing of beings without limit.
Śāntideva · Bodhicaryāvatāra 1.15–19 · translated by Adam Pearcey
A commitment developed through training · Śāntideva
Chapter 3 joins the wish for awakening with aspirations to relieve hunger, illness, poverty and other suffering. Verses 23–24 describe following earlier buddhas by generating bodhicitta and progressively undertaking bodhisattva training.
The chapter’s dedication embraces both beings’ immediate welfare and their eventual liberation. Śāntideva places the aspiration within a continuing discipline of beneficial conduct.
Śāntideva · Bodhicaryāvatāra, chapter 3 · translated by Adam Pearcey
Relative and ultimate bodhicitta · Patrul Rinpoche
In Patrul’s Tibetan Mahāyāna presentation, relative bodhicitta is the intention to attain awakening for others; ultimate bodhicitta is wisdom directly realizing emptiness. Aspiring and engaged bodhicitta are divisions of the relative aspect.
He distinguishes cultivated aspiration from direct realization developed through meditation, and identifies the four immeasurables as supports for cultivating bodhicitta. Continuing to include all beings within its concern remains central.
Patrul Rinpoche · Generating Bodhicitta · translated by Adam Pearcey
Related reading & sources
These are summaries of the named Indian and Tibetan Mahāyāna texts, translated by Adam Pearcey for Lotsawa House. The relative/ultimate presentation here follows Patrul Rinpoche.