ASPIRING BODHICITTA...
There are two levels in the development of bodhicitta; aspir- ing and engaging
bodhicitta. A person with the aspiring intention wants to attain Enlightenment
to help others, he or she is not yet prepared to engage in all of the practices
and activities necessary to do so. On the other hand, someone who has generated
the engaging altruistic intention and is prepared to joyfully undertake the
Bodhisattva's practices six perfections, can take the Bodhisattva vows. The
difference between aspiring and engaging bodhicitta is similar to the difference
between wanting to go some- where, and actually travelling there. The vows are
taken on the basis of having taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and
some or all of the five lay.