What does Bodhicitta or Bodaishin mean?
Bodaishin (Japanese) or Bodhicitta (Sanskrit) is a fundamental concept in Zen Buddhism and the entire Mahayana tradition. Bodhicitta means an aspiration to awakening, often translated as the “spirit of awakening” or the “mind of awakening.” Bodhicitta or Bodaishin is an altruistic aspiration or mental attitude that seeks awakening not just for oneself but also for the benefit of all beings.
Bodaishin and Compassion
Bodaishin or Bodhicitta is essentially the compassionate aspiration to attain awakening to help all beings free themselves from suffering. This compassion goes to the extent of aspiring for all beings to become enlightened before oneself.
Committed Altruism
Thus, we can say that Bodhicitta or Bodaishin is the aspiration to achieve awakening with all beings. It is regarded as the highest expression of compassion and the altruistic motivation of the Bodhisattva. Additionally, it involves the firm determination to practice Zen in order to help others. In this sense, it signifies the commitment to practice the six perfections of the Bodhisattva (generosity, ethics, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom) as a means to attain awakening for the benefit of all beings.
Bodhicitta and Awakening
In summary, Bodhicitta represents compassion and the altruistic desire to attain awakening with the purpose of benefiting all beings. It is a central concept in Mahayana philosophy, emphasizing the importance of overcoming suffering not only for oneself but also for the well-being of others.
In this workshop, Master Lluís Nansen will introduce this concept based on the teachings from his book Zen Mediterrani, el despertar universal (Viena Edicions, Barcelona).
Dharma Course 2025 Beginning
With the Dharma workshop on Bodaishin and Bodhicitta, the 2025 Dharma Course begins. This course comprises 9 workshops, during which Master Lluís Nansen will comment on a text by the Buddha or a Zen Master and initiate a discussion where all participants can ask questions or share their experiences with Zen.
Dharma Workshop: Bodhicitta, Bodaishin
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Led by: Zen Master Lluis Nansen Salas
Fee: €20 (Active members: €10)
For full course details: Dharma Course
