Bodhisattva Vow – 4 Great Vows and 18 Root Downfalls

The bodhisattva vow of Mahayana Buddhism is a vow to remain in samsara (cycle of suffering) until all beings are liberated from suffering. It is considered a key factor in attaining enlightenment.

Bodhisattva Vow Text

The Vow is encapsulated in a sacred text, emphasizing the aspirant’s commitment to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. The text typically outlines the principles and virtues that the practitioner vows to embody on their spiritual journey.

Shantideva’s Bodhisattva Vow

As earth and the other elements, together with space,
Eternally provide sustenance in many ways for countless sentient beings,
So may I become sustenance in every way for sentient beings
To the limits of space, until all have attained nirvana.
As the sugatas of old gave birth to the bodhicitta
And progressively established themselves in the training of a bodhisattva,
So I too, for the benefit of beings, shall give birth to the bodhicitta
And progressively train myself in that discipline.
At this moment my birth has become fruitful; I have realized my human life.
Today I am born into the family of the buddhas; now I am a child of the buddhas.
From now on I will forthrightly perform the actions befitting my family.
I will act so as not to degrade the faultlessness and discipline of my family.
Just as with a blind man finding a jewel in a heap of dust,
Thus, somehow, bodhicitta has been born in me.
This is the supreme amrita which destroys death,
The inexhaustible treasure which removes the world’s poverty.
It is the supreme medicine which cures the world’s sickness,
The tree which provides rest for beings weary of wandering on the paths of existence.
It is the universal bridge on which all travelers may pass over the lower realms,
The rising moon of mind which dispels the torment of kleshas.
It is the great sun which puts an end to the obscurity of ignorance,
The pure butter which comes of churning the milk of the holy dharma.
For travelers wandering the paths of existence seeking happiness from
objects of enjoyment,
It is the supreme bliss near at hand, the great feast which satisfies sentient beings.
Today, witnessed by all protectors, I have welcomed sentient beings
and sugatas.
Devas and asuras rejoice!

translated by the Nalanada Translation Committee

Bodhisattva Vow pdf

What Are the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows?

Central to the Bodhisattva path are the Four Great Vows. These vows, recited by practitioners, express the profound commitment to awakening and serving others. They include aspirations such as saving all sentient beings, mastering the Dharma, and attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all.

1. Sentient beings are numberless; I vow to save them.
2. Desires are inexhaustible; I vow to put an end to them.
3. The Dharmas are boundless; I vow to master them.
4. The Buddha Way is unattainable; I vow to attain it.

Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony

Taking the Vow is often a ceremonial and sacred occasion. It may involve a formal ritual led by a qualified teacher or spiritual guide. During the ceremony, practitioners publicly express their commitment to the Bodhisattva path, surrounded by a supportive spiritual community.

18 Bodhisattva Vows

While the Four Great Bodhisattva Vows are widely known, there are variations that expand upon the principles and aspirations of the Bodhisattva path. The 18 Bodhisattva Vows provide a more comprehensive set of commitments, guiding practitioners on their journey towards enlightenment and compassion.

• Abandon self-praise and denigrating others
• Abandon miserliness: offer material possessions and dharma to the needy
• Listening to others, even if blamed and not responding with anger
• Denying the Mahayana is the words of the Buddha or teaching non-Mayahana falsely
• Taking offerings intended for the Three Jewels
• Forsaking the holy Dharma
• Disrobing monastics or committing such acts as stealing their robes
• Committing any of the five heinous crimes
• Holding a distorted, antagonistic outlook
• Destroying places such as towns
• Teaching emptiness to those whose minds are untrained
• Turning others away from full awakening
• Turning others away from their pratimoksha vows
• Belittling the shravaka vehicle
• Proclaiming a false realization of emptiness
• Accepting what has been stolen from the Three Jewels
• Being biased against serious practitioners and favoring those with fewer attainments
• Giving up bodhicitta

credit: https://thubtenchodron.org/

Bodhisattva Vow Tibetan

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Vow holds significant importance. The vow is often recited in the Tibetan language during ceremonies and teachings. Tibetan Buddhist practitioners engage in practices that align with the Bodhisattva ideals, combining wisdom and compassion on their path to enlightenment.

How to Take Bodhisattva Vow

Taking the Bodhisattva Vow is a profound and personal decision. To formally take the vow, one usually seeks guidance from a qualified teacher or spiritual mentor. The process involves a sincere intention to dedicate one’s life to the welfare of all beings and to cultivate the virtues outlined in the Bodhisattva path.

Bodhisattva Vow Zen

In Zen Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Vow is central to the practice. Zen practitioners, following the Mahayana tradition, take the vow as a commitment to awakening and serving others. The Bodhisattva path in Zen emphasizes direct experience and realization, encouraging practitioners to embody compassion in their everyday lives.

In conclusion, the Bodhisattva Vow is a sacred commitment that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Whether expressed in PDFs, formal ceremonies, or diverse sets of vows, the essence remains the same — a dedication to compassion, wisdom, and the liberation of all sentient beings from suffering. Taking the Bodhisattva Vow is a transformative step on the path towards enlightenment and selfless service to others.

May all beings be happy

May all beings be peaceful

May all beings be safe

May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature

May all beings be free