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.