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THE MIND OF THE BODHI (BODHICHITTA) &
BODHICHARYA (CONDUCT OF THE BODHI)
It is explained in the Buddhist scriptures that before attaining enlightenment, it is imperative that one creates the 'Bodhichitta'. One should take a resolution as follows -
I shall become Buddha so that I can eliminate all the sorrows of the world.
To fulfill this, he has to strive with mind, heart and soul. This itself is known as 'Bodhichitta'.
To attain this state of Bodhichitta or to attain enlightenment, it is imperative that a code of conduct or 'Charya' is followed regularly. This is known as 'Bodhicharya'.
Humans are basically selfish and do not even heed to others' pains and misery. He does not hesitate to inflict pain upon others for his personal gains.
But to relinquish selfishness and strive selflessly for the betterment of the multitudes by taking a firm resolution is in real sense the essence of humanism. The person who selflessly strives for others altruistically becomes noble and sublime. Surrendering one's selfishness and taking a resolution to emancipate the world is known in Buddhist scriptures as 'Bodhi Chitta-Parigraha'.
He has to surrender all his good and fruits of his good karma for attainment of higher ideals. This is also known as taking 'Diksha' (initiation ceremony) for attainment of humanism.
Acharya Shantideva has spoken of the greatness of Bodhichitta in the following verse.
BHAVADUKHASHATANI TARTUKAMAIRAPI SATVAYASANANI HARTUKAMAI ||
BAHUSAUKHYA SHATANI BHOKTUKAMAIRNA VIMOCHYAM HISDEV BODHICHITTAM||
-----(BODHI CHARAYAVATAR)
Bodhichitta is simply inevitable for those who desire to be liberated from pain and miseries of this world and those who desire to emancipate the living beings from their sorrows.
One can come across 2 categories or bifurcations about Bodhichitta in the Buddhist scripture. (i) Bodhi Pranidhi Chitta (ii) Bodhi Prasthana Chitta
A resolution which shall be taken and contemplated upon while performing every Kriya (action) i.e. 'I Shall become Buddha to emancipate the world' is known as 'Bodhi Pramidhi Chitta'.
One cannot simply take a resolution and be inactive, on the contrary, one shall have to indulge and engage in selfless work. This is referred to as 'Bodhi Prasthana Chitta'. Bodhi Pranidhi Chitta is known as movement/motion oriented and Bodhi Prasthana Chitta is motion or activity itself.
The Bodhichitta transforms this perishable body into a body glittering with virtues of eternal happiness. The Bodhisatta is like a philosopher's stone that by mere touch transforms iron into gold and resolves to free the earth from misery and sorrow. He becomes limitless and endless as the sky and a stream of nothingness or void (Shunya) flows in him.
The Bodhisatta cares for people more than what people even care for themselves.
-----(Bodhicharyavatar, First Paragraph).
According to Acharya Shantideva, all are desirous of happiness and vehemently resent grief or misery. But they do not know how should they really attain incessant happiness. In their strife for happiness they inadvertently enter the domain of sorrow and pain and consciously destroy their happiness.
To emancipate one from pain and to make people realise their domain of happiness, we shall have to become Bodhichitta. There is no other way one can seek recourse to. In a shloka, he says- How can I assess the greatness, the radiance and exuberance of the gem of the Bodhichitta?
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