Bodhicitta

Question 1

Name the two teachers who were the convergence point for the two different methods of cultivating Bodhicitta in the eleventh century.

Answer 1

Lama Silingpa and Lama Atisha

Question 2

The 9 step method for equalizing/ exchanging self and others:

Answer 2

1) Equalizing self and others
2) Reflect on the demerits of cherishing oneself
3) Reflect on the merits of cherishing others
4) Taking the suffering of others with an emphasis on compassion
5) Giving happiness to others with an emphasis on loving kindness
6) The actual exchange of self and others
7) Special recollection of the kindness of others
8) Altruism
9) Bodhicitta

Question 3

When did the Buddha teach Bodhicitta?

Answer 3

During the second turning of the wheel of dharma.

Question 4

2 Methods of Cultivating Bodhicitta

Answer 4

1) The Sevenfold Cause and Effect Method
2) The 9 Step Method of Equalizing/Exchanging Self for Others

Question 5

The Sevenfold Cause/Effect Method

Answer 5

1) Remember all beings as one’s mother
2) Remember their kindness
3) Repay the kindness
4) See beings in the light of great affection
5) Great Compassion
6) Altruism
7) Bodhicitta

Question 6

The 4 Reliances

Answer 6

1) Don’t rely on the person, rely on the teaching
2) Don’t rely on the words, rely on the meaning
3) Don’t rely on the provisional meaning, rely on the definitive, ultimate meaning
4) Don’t rely on conceptual mind, rely on wisdom (direct realization)

Question 7

The 4 Immeasurables

Answer 7

1) Loving Kindness
2) Compassion
3) Joy
4) Equanimity

Question 8

3 Types of Benefits from beings around us

Answer 8

1) Small Scale Short Term Benefits - from near and dear ones
2) Large Scale Short Term Benefits- from neutral beings
3) Long Term Benefits - from difficult people

Question 9

4 Types of Birth

Answer 9

1) Birth from womb
2) Birth from egg
3) Birth from heat and moisture
4) Miraculous Birth

Question 10

2 Kinds of Conventional Bodhicitta

Answer 10

1) Aspirational Bodhicitta
2) Engaged Bodhicitta - generally after taking the Bodhisattva Vow

Question 11

5 Heinous Actions

Answer 11

1) Killing your father
2) Killing your mother
3) Killing an Arahat
4) Creating division in the sangha group
5) Causing blood to come from the Buddha’s body

Question 12

4 Factors in the Root Downfalls of Bodhicitta

Answer 12

1) Not seeing these as faults
2) Not giving up the wish to engage in them
3) Doing them with delight and satisfaction
4) Having no shame or consideration

Question 13

The 18 Bodhisattva Pledges

Answer 13

1) Refraining from praising myself and criticizing others
2) Refraining from criticizing the Shravaka’s vehicle
3) Refraining from not accepting apologies
4) Refraining from stealing the property of the 3 Jewels
5) Refraining from taking the property of the 3 Jewels
6) Refraining from taking away saffron robes
7) Refraining from not giving Dharma or wealth
8) Refraining from destroying towns and such
9) Refraining from holding wrong views
10) Refraining from committing one of the 5 Heinous Actions
11) Refraining from creating bad rules
12) Refraining from teaching emptiness to the untrained
13) Refraining from turning others away from complete enlightenment
14) Refraining from telling a profound lie (pretending to understand the wisdom of emptiness)
15) Refraining from abandoning the Mahayana
16) Refraining from abandoning the Dharma
17) Refraining from abandoning the vows of Pratimoksha
18) Refraining from giving up Bodhicitta