The Root of Compassion: Bodhichitta in Daily Life
What Is Bodhichitta?
Bodhichitta — the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings — is the foundation of Mahayana Buddhist practice. It transforms every ordinary action into a cause of liberation, not only for ourselves but for all beings without exception.
In the Drikung Kagyu tradition, bodhichitta is cultivated through two primary methods: absolute bodhichitta, the direct realisation of emptiness, and relative bodhichitta, the gradual development of loving-kindness and compassion through meditation and contemplation.
Practising in Daily Life
We need not wait for a formal meditation session to cultivate bodhichitta. Before eating, we can dedicate the merit of our meal to the liberation of all beings. Before sleeping, we can resolve to carry compassion into our dreams. Each moment of patience, generosity, or kind speech is a seed of awakening.
- Begin each day by setting the intention to benefit others
- Practise tonglen — "taking and sending" — to transform difficulties into compassion
- Dedicate the merit of every positive action before sleep