Episode 78: developing bodhicitta

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the second episode detailing a method to develop bodhicitta, the wish to attain enlightenment to relieve the suffering of all living beings. The world needs such noble pursuits, which take responsibility for one another. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven Point Cause and Effect Method to Develop Bodhicitta</span></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Recognizing that all beings have been our mother </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Remembering the kindness of our mothers</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Developing the wish to repay the kindness of our mothers </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Great Love</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Great Compassion</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Exceptional resolve</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Bodhicitta</span></li> </ol> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Developing Great Compassion</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The object of compassion is all living beings. The intentions of great compassion are thinking:</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“How nice it would be if living beings were free from suffering,”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“May they be free from suffering,” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I will cause them to be free from suffering.” </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The steps of the meditation to develop great compassion are first to cultivate it toward someone dear, then toward someone for whom you have neutral feelings, and, finally, toward someone you have aversion to. When you have equal compassion for your enemies and friends, cultivate it gradually toward all living beings in the ten directions.</span></p>