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April 17, 2025 The Basics of Bodhicitta    One of the core principles in Mahayana Buddhism is bodhicitta, the wish for the awakening of all beings. Bodhicitta is the state of mind developed by a bodhisattva, who vows to liberate all beings, wishing for awakening only as a means of doing so.  Why wish to liberate others and not just ourselves? Because attachment to the ego, or self, is the root of suffering. Cultivating love and compassion for others, on the other hand, is the path to relieve suffering. “Buddhism emphasizes love’s beneficial power. Because its nature is joy and because it always brings about happiness and well-being, to love is the most meritorious action,” says Karma Trinlay Rinpoche, one of the first Westerners to have received the traditional Tibetan Buddhist education offered to tulkus (reincarnate masters). This week’s Three Teachings reviews the basics of bodhicitta and why this altruistic intention is such an important part of Mahayana Buddhism. Forward today's teachings to a friend » What We’ve Been All Along By Karma Trinlay Rinpoche In this thorough description of bodhicitta, Karma Trinlay Rinpoche explains why bodhicitta is essential, the difference between ultimate and relative bodhicitta, and the link between love and compassion. Read more » Bodhicitta Explained By Ken McLeod Author, translator, and teacher Ken McLeod offers a birds-eye view of bodhicitta from different perspectives. Read more » Bodhicitta’s Ripple Effect By Francis Dojun Cook The late professor and author Francis Dojun Cook focuses on the cascading effect of bodhicitta as a motivation to motivate others, which, in turn, motivates others, and so on. Read more » Follow Us

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