Definition
Bodhicitta is the intention to achieve omniscient Buddhahood (Trikaya) as fast as possible, so that one may benefit infinite sentient beings. One who has bodhicitta as the primary motivation for all of his or her activities is called a bodhisattva.
Bodhicitta is the union of compassion and wisdom. This is a development of the concept of luminous mind in the Pali Canon.
Bodhicitta also means the aim to, on the one hand, bring happiness to all sentient beings, and on the other, to relieve them of suffering.
The term bodhicitta in its most complete sense would combine both:
- the arising of spontaneous and limitless compassion for all sentient beings, and
- the falling away of the attachment to the illusion of an inherently existent self.
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