Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva:
'Enlightenment
Being', is a being destined to Buddhahood, a future Buddha. According to the
traditional belief a Bodhisatta, before reaching his last birth as a Buddha on
this earth, is living in the Tusita-heaven (s. deva), the heaven of
bliss. Cf. A. IV, 127; VIII, 70. In the Páli
Canon and commentaries, the designation 'Bodhisatta' is given only to Prince
Siddhattha before his enlightenment and to his former existences. The Buddha
himself uses this term when speaking of his life prior to enlightenment (e.g.
M. 4, M. 26). Bodhisattahood is neither mentioned nor recommended as an ideal
higher than or alternative to Arahatship; nor is there any record in the Páli
scriptures of a disciple declaring it as his aspiration.
Urbandharma.org
My Definition:
Bodhisattva or (Bodhi existence) is the "awakened" existence of an individual who demonstrates Bodhi Mind through wisdom and compassion. Bodhi existence is similar to the "awakened" state in that all unskillfull habits are removed.
The Bodhisattva requires an existence that is free from dark karma. In order to avoid dark karma, practice of attention, and realization of causation and ICA are necessary in order to develop skillful habits which culminate in Bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva is both a metaphysical and a non-metaphysical being dependent upon the type of Buddhism followed. Both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism present a metaphysical, Buddha, which practitioners are encouraged to envision or follow in order to attain awakening or enlightenment. In traditional Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is found in all beings if attention is paid to the current moment and all conditions are realized.
My Journal:
Urbandharma.org
My Definition:
- Feb 29, 2013:
Bodhisattva or (Bodhi existence) is the "awakened" existence of an individual who demonstrates Bodhi Mind through wisdom and compassion. Bodhi existence is similar to the "awakened" state in that all unskillfull habits are removed.
- Mar 4, 2013:
The Bodhisattva requires an existence that is free from dark karma. In order to avoid dark karma, practice of attention, and realization of causation and ICA are necessary in order to develop skillful habits which culminate in Bodhisattva.
- March 28, 2013:
Bodhisattva is both a metaphysical and a non-metaphysical being dependent upon the type of Buddhism followed. Both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism present a metaphysical, Buddha, which practitioners are encouraged to envision or follow in order to attain awakening or enlightenment. In traditional Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is found in all beings if attention is paid to the current moment and all conditions are realized.
My Journal:
- Feb 29, 2013:
- Mar 3, 2013:
Bodhisattva Vow
The many beings are numberless; I vow to save them.
Greed, hatred, and ignorance arise endlessly; I vow to abandon them.
Dharma gates are countless; I vow to wake to them.
The Buddha's way is unsurpassed; I vow to embody it.
- March 12, 2013:
In the Bodhisattva Vow, Mahyana practitioners demonstrate the belief that the possibility for Buddha behavior and belief is in all individuals. It is the effort of the individual, their attention to the moment ad its conditions and the cultivation of healthy habits, that make it possible. However, the Bodhisattva Vow is demonstrative of recognition of the conditions that create individuals through ICA. By paying attention to the moment, individuals recognize the suffering of "others" and the influence of suffering on their own awakening. Individuals are thereby unable to be fully "awakened" until all other beings attain their own awakening.
- March 24, 2013:
Upon reflection of the Bodhisattva Vow, I analyzed my own efforts toward environmentalism and vegetarianism in the context of ending dukkha for others. Though I am unable to prevent killing to eat, I must kill vegetables in order to eat them, I attempt to be aware of where my food comes from and how it effects the individuals who produce it. Because of this, I attempt to stay away from animals (who must be killed for me to eat) as well as food that is harmful to the environment through leaching of the soil or farming practices such as fertilizer. However, it is difficult to realize that I will be unable to completely eliminate dukkha from my eating- if I convert other individuals to vegetarianism, meat producers might suffer and put hundreds of thousands out of jobs. What cost of suffering is ok to accept for a lessening of other suffering? If all beings are interconnected - what should come first? Me, other humans, creatures, or the environment?
- April 12, 2013:
Bodhisattva is a transient state of being- entirely dependent upon the conditions of each moments of existence. With Bodhisattva, awakening can be realized, with an individual completely aware of themselves, conditions, suffering, and entirely free from all dissatisfaction, but this state of being is transient - it is the practice of the individual to realize this being in each moment of existence and fulfill it. However, in becoming awakened, the practitioner again become aware of others suffering. Bodhisattva becomes a practice of samsara with awakening realized and then lost again until all other suffering is ended.
- April 20, 2013:
Following Tibetan Buddhism, I desire to sue Buddhism and its teachings to help all individuals to attain enlightenment and end suffering. However , I am conflicted as to how to attain this practice as opposed to merely attaining enlightenment for myself. If I work my hardest toward enlightenment I am benefiting others by not spreading dukkha (by snapping because I am exhausted or having problem), but simultaneously I am not helping others directly. The Middle Path seems important for this but I need to experience both in order to reach a balance.
Bodhicitta
Bodhicitta: Mind of Wisdom
"enlightened mind" - mind that strives toward awakening and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings.
according to: wikipedia.com
the setting aside of the mind of ignorance and delusion in favor of penetrating the dharma and creating an "bodhi mind."
Feldman, Jay. "Buddhism, Unit 2." University of Idaho, Jan 26, 2013.
My Definition:
Bodhicitta: Mind of Wisdom is the opening of the mind and the removal of habits of grasping and attachment that create dukkha. In Bodhisattva the individual recognizes the causation of events and their influence on his or her creation of self or non self. In this realization, the individual removes limitations that return him or her to the samsara of existence. Individuals essentially reach their potential by using attention, recognizing causation and ICA, to create new skillful habits in order to remove dukkha from their lives.
The Bodhi Mind is simultaneously the end and goal of Buddhist practice. To become awakened or enlightened the individual must cultivate a Bodhi Mind; however, the Bodhi Mind requires constant maintenance in the form of practice and attention. The Bodhi Mind is demonstrated through the compassion and wisdom of the practitioner.
My Journal:
The development of Bodhi mind seems similar to the practice of tae kwon do. I taught tae kwon do for 4 years- during this time I practiced forms so that when provoked I would merely react rather than analyze and stop to think. The Bodhi mind seems similar to this practice in that the habits developed would "protect" the individual from dukkha in that it would prevent it's occurence. The individuals' constant recognition and reconsideration of events would eventually lead to a practice that would be beneficial to all "Bodhisattva".
The more stressed I become, the less I consider my decisions and actions; this leads to unskilled habits. However, rather than attempt to move forward and create skillful habits and thoughts I become attached to ideas which cause me dukkha. I need to slow down and re-evaluate my decisions and actions in order to understand how they are caused. This will prevent me from creating stories or a non-objective world to which I cling creating a habit of ignorance.
Bodhi mind is demonstrated in the actions and beliefs of the Buddha. However, this Bodhi mind arguably took lives to complete. I must as a new practitioner not expect that this “opening” will occur immediately but rather through constant practice and effort in developing skillful habits.
Today, I realized that I had acted based on a delusion from an unskilled habit. While talking to a friend, I blamed a teacher for creating a class poorly when in actuality I did not have the skills to complete the class. Upon recognizing this false story, partially created in order to create a similarity between my friend and I, I felt shame and sought to create a better habit by correcting myself to my friend. I hope that in the future I will be able to recognize this "story" and recognize other causes and my own influence in the outcome of events. In creating this story, while I seek to displace blame for myself, I actually cause more dukkha through misplaced anger and a refusal to correct my actions and habits.
Bodhi mind seems similar to the concept of the Holy Spirit in Catholicism. It is the opening of the mind, the individual becomes more aware of reality and the world. However, Bodhi mind is an earthly phenomena dependent upon the effort and habits of the individual whereas the Holy Spirit depends on the beneficence of God.
Attention is crucial to Bodhi mind; one must pay attention to the moment as it is in order to see it free from delusions. However, attention also demonstrates suffering to the Bodhimind. The Bodhimind must simultaneously recognize anatta and anicca in order to end dukkha within life by removing delusions such as individuality or permanency.
Bodhi mind is intimately connected with the Bodhisattva; however, an individual can have Bodhicitta without being a Bodhisattva. This is accomplished through choice, by consciously creating dark karma or being aware of suffering in order to help other individuals. However, if you sacrifice awakening for others are you harming them or hurting them? By preventing your awakening you hurt others - are you able to directly help them?
Bodhicitta is possible in every moment of existence. However, it most be constantly re-examined otherwise individuals may lose it. Bodhicitta takes constant effort it is when we are closest to awakenign that individuals often stop working.
"enlightened mind" - mind that strives toward awakening and compassion for the benefit of all sentient beings.
according to: wikipedia.com
the setting aside of the mind of ignorance and delusion in favor of penetrating the dharma and creating an "bodhi mind."
Feldman, Jay. "Buddhism, Unit 2." University of Idaho, Jan 26, 2013.
My Definition:
Bodhicitta: Mind of Wisdom is the opening of the mind and the removal of habits of grasping and attachment that create dukkha. In Bodhisattva the individual recognizes the causation of events and their influence on his or her creation of self or non self. In this realization, the individual removes limitations that return him or her to the samsara of existence. Individuals essentially reach their potential by using attention, recognizing causation and ICA, to create new skillful habits in order to remove dukkha from their lives.
- Mar 4, 2013:
The Bodhi Mind is simultaneously the end and goal of Buddhist practice. To become awakened or enlightened the individual must cultivate a Bodhi Mind; however, the Bodhi Mind requires constant maintenance in the form of practice and attention. The Bodhi Mind is demonstrated through the compassion and wisdom of the practitioner.
My Journal:
- Jan 29, 2013:
- Feb 9, 2013:
The development of Bodhi mind seems similar to the practice of tae kwon do. I taught tae kwon do for 4 years- during this time I practiced forms so that when provoked I would merely react rather than analyze and stop to think. The Bodhi mind seems similar to this practice in that the habits developed would "protect" the individual from dukkha in that it would prevent it's occurence. The individuals' constant recognition and reconsideration of events would eventually lead to a practice that would be beneficial to all "Bodhisattva".
- Feb 15, 2013:
The more stressed I become, the less I consider my decisions and actions; this leads to unskilled habits. However, rather than attempt to move forward and create skillful habits and thoughts I become attached to ideas which cause me dukkha. I need to slow down and re-evaluate my decisions and actions in order to understand how they are caused. This will prevent me from creating stories or a non-objective world to which I cling creating a habit of ignorance.
- Feb 29, 2013:
Bodhi mind is demonstrated in the actions and beliefs of the Buddha. However, this Bodhi mind arguably took lives to complete. I must as a new practitioner not expect that this “opening” will occur immediately but rather through constant practice and effort in developing skillful habits.
Today, I realized that I had acted based on a delusion from an unskilled habit. While talking to a friend, I blamed a teacher for creating a class poorly when in actuality I did not have the skills to complete the class. Upon recognizing this false story, partially created in order to create a similarity between my friend and I, I felt shame and sought to create a better habit by correcting myself to my friend. I hope that in the future I will be able to recognize this "story" and recognize other causes and my own influence in the outcome of events. In creating this story, while I seek to displace blame for myself, I actually cause more dukkha through misplaced anger and a refusal to correct my actions and habits.
- March 3, 2013:
Bodhi mind seems similar to the concept of the Holy Spirit in Catholicism. It is the opening of the mind, the individual becomes more aware of reality and the world. However, Bodhi mind is an earthly phenomena dependent upon the effort and habits of the individual whereas the Holy Spirit depends on the beneficence of God.
- March 28, 2013:
Attention is crucial to Bodhi mind; one must pay attention to the moment as it is in order to see it free from delusions. However, attention also demonstrates suffering to the Bodhimind. The Bodhimind must simultaneously recognize anatta and anicca in order to end dukkha within life by removing delusions such as individuality or permanency.
- April 10, 2013:
Bodhi mind is intimately connected with the Bodhisattva; however, an individual can have Bodhicitta without being a Bodhisattva. This is accomplished through choice, by consciously creating dark karma or being aware of suffering in order to help other individuals. However, if you sacrifice awakening for others are you harming them or hurting them? By preventing your awakening you hurt others - are you able to directly help them?
- April 22, 2013:
Bodhicitta is possible in every moment of existence. However, it most be constantly re-examined otherwise individuals may lose it. Bodhicitta takes constant effort it is when we are closest to awakenign that individuals often stop working.
Buddha
Buddha:
One enlightened to the eternal and ultimate truth that is the reality of all things, and who leads others to attain the same enlightenment. Buddha was originally a common word meaning awakened one or enlightened one, referring to those who attained any kind of religious awakening. In Buddhism, it refers to one who has become awakened to the ultimate truth of all things and phenomena.
http://www.sgilibrary.org/search_dict.php
My Definition:
An individual who has attained awakening to the suffering of the world and created a solution to end suffering. A Buddha has found dukkha and the ending of dukkha. A Buddha can be reocgnized through their actions of compassion and wisdom. Siddhattha Gotama became called the Buddha because of the way he lived his life- his work inspired others to become enlightened individuals.
My Journal:
Jan 26, 2013:
The practice of calling Siddhatha Gotama the "Buddha" is very similar to the practice of calling a Jewish Teacher a "Rabbi." This action reflects one of the five aggregates of "labeling"
One enlightened to the eternal and ultimate truth that is the reality of all things, and who leads others to attain the same enlightenment. Buddha was originally a common word meaning awakened one or enlightened one, referring to those who attained any kind of religious awakening. In Buddhism, it refers to one who has become awakened to the ultimate truth of all things and phenomena.
http://www.sgilibrary.org/search_dict.php
My Definition:
An individual who has attained awakening to the suffering of the world and created a solution to end suffering. A Buddha has found dukkha and the ending of dukkha. A Buddha can be reocgnized through their actions of compassion and wisdom. Siddhattha Gotama became called the Buddha because of the way he lived his life- his work inspired others to become enlightened individuals.
My Journal:
Jan 26, 2013:
The practice of calling Siddhatha Gotama the "Buddha" is very similar to the practice of calling a Jewish Teacher a "Rabbi." This action reflects one of the five aggregates of "labeling"