BA1_17-19 The Difference in the Benefits of the Two Kinds of Bodhichitta
Here Rinpoche goes on with clarifying the meaning of the two kinds of bodhichitta and explains the difference in the benefits of the bodhichitta in intention and the active bodhichitta, as stated in the stanzas 17, 18 and 19 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. (BA13)
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The audio as well as the audio translations in different languages and the transcript of this teaching are all available on Chapter 1 page.
We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 1, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 55-56.
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Rinpoche, it seems to me that in order to progress from bodhicitta in intention to active bodhicitta I need to have 100% conviction about the bodhisattva path. I am not sure that I have yet truly achieved this. Is the right attitude to keep studying and practicing and hope that this will eventually happen? It is not that I consciously have doubts about the path, but rather that I am unsure whether it has really permeated my whole being.
thank you for your new year wishes, and I hope that 2011 is a very happy and healthy year for you.
Lynda
Rinpoche, a practical question: I wanted to read ahead in the text to learn about the 6 paramitas. I thought the first one was generosity but I could not see a chapter with this heading. Could you kindly clarify?
many thanks, Lynda
Dear Venerable Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, after listening to your clear and kind explanation on the twofold Bodhichitta, I hereby express the deep wish that we not only be listeners and students of ‘good heart and motivation’ but that with your kind blessings and the blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and our great and kind teachers and masters, we will really be capable all together to act really upon Buddha’s teaching and great example and bring great and everlasting happiness to all sentient beings around us…please grant your blessings to all of us…so that -what I always tend to do- stop just watching others acting nice and kind…and myself just hanging behind in my armchair..admiring and rejoicing the good deeds and merit of others …but somewhat lazy staying behind and keep comfortable and warm ‘at home’ dreaming of succes and/or playing just some childish games…Seriously…like Linda said before…we need be permeated and have trust and conviction—step by step—that this is the best and only way…regardless hardships, pain and suffering…it could even be joyfull and fun….So hereby I’d like to wish you and the shedra team and other listeners a very joyfull and healthy and ‘nourishing’ New Year 2011 with so many kind deeds of practice and integration.
Rinpoche-la, many thanks for your kind wishes for the new year and may I also wish you and everyone a happy, healthy 2011 that is full of compassionate action. One question: could you please say something about developing bodhicitta in steps, i.e. it is difficult for most of us to even conceive of “all sentient beings” let alone feel empathy for them. How do we move from a small circle of empathy to make it wider so that it eventually covers all sentient beings? Although we must work for their enlightenment shouldn’t we also wish them all forms of “mundane” happiness – as long as this is not destructive to them or others? Many thanks for taking the time to give us all of these wonderful teachings – we are all so fortunate to have you and the other people supporting the website.
Rinpoche, is one of the ways to develop active bodhicitta to continually try to overcome aversion? For example, in the rush hour in a London tube train when it is very crowded, full of people I dont know, would that be a good opportunity? Or in a social or work situation if someone irritates me, to make a strong effort to overcome that aversion?
Thank you, and sorry so many questions!
Lynda
Rinpoche many thanks for your kind words for the new year, and I also hope we can all see you soon. I have a question: Can we be, with the power of our best true and big heart, active bodhichitta without having acomplished the bodhichitta in intention? In other words can our goodwill and generosity be active bodhichitta when we didn’t made the commitment in our dreams to the bodhichitta of intention? Thank you for your kindness in listen to us.