Generating Bodhicitta

Our transformation from an ordinary human to a Bodhisattva involves two steps.  The first is the aspiration for enlightenment which seeks to generate (utpāda) bodhicitta (the enlightened mind) which is the pure, radiant spirit.  The first is bodhicitta only in its relative aspect. 

The second step is the generation of actual bodhicitta which is absolute bodhicitta.  The life of a Bodhisattva only commences with absolute bodhicitta.  This bodhicitta is like an embryo of the Buddha (buddhagarbha) growing towards full Buddhahood.

Interestingly, we find that when one first arouses (utpāda) bodhicitta, one already obtains complete and utter enlightenment.  This is according to the Avatamsaka Sutra.  Without the second step one is not a realized Bodhisattva. 

In today’s Dharma centers many Buddhists imagine they are a Bodhisattva; a kind and gentle, beneficent person who goes around doing good deeds for everyone; trying to save them.  Still, this is not what a Bodhisattva is.  First of all, a Bodhisattva has no human features.  According to the Śūraṅgamasamādhi Sūtra his body is hard, diamond-like, real, infallible and indestructible.  It does not contain either a belly, or stomach, or excrement, or urine, or bad odors or impurity.”

Few if any make it to the second step.  They are still very much attached to their carnal bodies, trying to reform them instead of transcend them.  They cannot understand that the body is unclean; that it is transient and unsubstantial; that it is the source of sinful passions.  According to the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra, “this body is a combination of aggregates, elements, and sense-media, which are comparable to murderers, poisonous snakes, and an empty town, respectively.”

Comments

[Anon]

No surprise seeing no comments for this particular article,esp the last paragraph. To go beyond carnal passion ( and aversion ) is (one of )the most difficult aspect of the path .