Bodhicitta Sangha

The Plan for the Bodhicitta Sangha

The plan for this sangha is to make bodhichitta, the precious mind of enlightenment, as the basis for all we do, and to then practice the Buddhist teachings continuously, diligently, and with a balanced approach; to study the Buddhist teachings as laid out in the progressive stages of the tradition of the lineage gurus, doing so correctly and in such a way that fits our own mental capacity; with an altruistic attitude, to welcome other faithful students who are interested in joining our spiritual community by introducing and explaining the beneficial qualities of the Buddha’s teachings; to benefit and befriend all students who have entered into this avenue for spiritual practice by acting with a sense of propriety and conscientiousness; when time is available, for students to meet together and discuss the Buddha’s sacred teachings; without any sense of envy or bias, to study with qualified spiritual teachers, studying, contemplating, and meditating on the stainless literary traditions of the Sutra and Mantra without sectarian bias.

In short, the plan for the Bodhichitta Sangha is for us each to be our own spiritual teacher, constantly working to ensure that our physical, verbal, and mental activities are made meaningful by maintaining mindfulness, awareness, and conscientiousness. This is extremely important. 

Concise meaning of the Bodhicitta Sangha

The words Bodhicitta Sangha refer to the sacred Dharma, which is the source of both the Buddha and the Sangha. It can also be understood as kind heart, the root of the path of the Great Vehicle. By relying on this as our method, we can accomplish all the ultimate qualities of the Buddha, such as wisdom, love, and capacity. The kind heart of Bodhicitta is therefore an excellent and noble path. When we travel upon it, we will be able to continuously improve our state of mind and our course of action. Pursued by the fortunate, this is the single source of all temporary and lasting happiness.

Lacking this kind heart of Bodhicitta, we would not qualify for the Great Vehicle that we find explained in the Buddhist scriptures. It would also be impossible for us to achieve the final stage of unsurpassable Buddhahood. This, therefore, is the teaching of the Buddha, and all the noble members of the Sangha who uphold the teachings owe their achievements to this excellent method. This is the unmistaken seed of liberation, the single source of freedom for oneself and all others. I therefore request that we take good care of this precious Bodhicitta, allowing it to develop and restoring it when necessary.

When the words “Bodhicitta Sangha” are seen, heard, or remembered, they leave a seed of liberation in the mind. Therefore, whoever comes across this name will without doubt before long awaken to lasting freedom and supreme enlightenment. That this is the case can be proven by means of both scripture and reasoning. I therefore request that these issues be kept in mind.

Offered by the wandering monk, Sherab Sangpo, on the 28th of September 2007.

Motivation behind Bodhicitta Sangha 

These days people tend to focus their energies on amassing wealth in a material sense. While this may bring about a certain sense of contentment, the truth of the matter is that we have lost any sense of love and compassion, and any understanding of the principle of karma, or cause and effect, as well as virtue and vice and right and wrong. This ends up bringing us nothing but angst and discontentment.

For this reason, we need to devote ourselves to that which will bring happiness and harmony to all beings. Such methods are to be found in the Buddha’s teachings as explained in the Buddhist scriptures.

To put these teachings into practice, we must begin by receiving explanations and using these instructions to study, contemplate, and meditate. Whatever we understand then needs to be used as a method to tame the mind. In other words, we need to transform and correct our attitude.

The happiness and well-being of sentient beings cannot be found outside in the material world. Rather, this depends primarily on how beings conduct themselves; it depends on what they do, say, and think. The Buddha’s teachings are relevant to all forms of life. This is not a system that makes distinctions based on race, ethnicity, social class, wealth or power.
We have established the Bodhicitta Sangha to enable people to study this extraordinary spiritual tradition, so I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who aid and support our mission.

Sincerely,

Wandering Sherab Sangpo