Establishing motivation and bodhicitta
Before engaging in Dzogchen or any higher Buddhist practice, practitioners cultivate motivation and bodhicitta—the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
- Dzogchen Essentials
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Article 1 of 6 in Preparation and Ground/
Motivation in Practice:
- Motivation is the foundation of spiritual practice. Without a clear intention, even profound methods may not bear fruit.
- In Buddhism, motivation extends beyond personal liberation toward the welfare of all beings.
- Establishing motivation ensures that practice is not self-centered but deeply compassionate.
Bodhicitta (Awakened Mind):
- Relative bodhicitta: The heartfelt aspiration to free all beings from suffering and the commitment to cultivate compassion and wisdom.
- Ultimate bodhicitta: Direct realization of the true nature of mind, beyond dualistic concepts.
- Both aspects are essential: relative bodhicitta provides the altruistic drive, while ultimate bodhicitta reflects the realization Dzogchen points to.
Why Bodhicitta Matters in Dzogchen:
- Dzogchen emphasizes direct recognition of awareness, but without bodhicitta, this recognition can become self-serving or ungrounded.
- Bodhicitta protects the practitioner from pride or misuse of spiritual insights.
- It creates a vast and noble context for practice, aligning personal realization with universal benefit.
Practical Ways to Establish Motivation and Bodhicitta:
- Begin practice sessions by recalling the suffering of beings and generating the wish to benefit them.
- Dedicate all practice—even short moments of awareness—to others.
- Reflect on interdependence: recognizing that one’s awakening is inseparable from the liberation of others.
- Use simple phrases, such as “May my practice benefit all beings,” as a reminder.
In summary, establishing motivation and bodhicitta roots Dzogchen practice in compassion. It ensures that direct recognition of awareness blossoms into wisdom and spontaneous compassionate activity.