Bodhichitta
Some notes on reading the first chapter of Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chödrön: Begin with a Broken Heart.
Bodhichitta is a Sanskrit term in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and is the awakening of the heart and mind. In essence the awakened heart is free from hindrances that get in the way of helping others. No confused thoughts or bad habits.
To be able to achieve bodhichitta we need to fully awaken our own heart and mind. We can’t do this without learning more about ourselves and reflecting on the suffering of others. Frequent meditation practices can help in awakening and lead to enlightenment. When we awaken and achieve enlightenment we can help others do the same.
There is a lot of suffering in this world and there is a limit to what we can do to relieve this suffering. The awakened mind accepts this to be so and is also better prepared to help.
References:
[Pema Chödrön]quotes