Buddhahood & Boddhisattvas

1. INTENTION 

The Bodhisattva must be sincere in their search for enlightenement. Intention and sincerity are important on the path, because they give the Bodhisattva determination to reach enlightenment. 

2. VOW 

Bodhisattva's must be throughoughly determined to become enlightened. They make two vows, first to become a Buddha, and secondly, to lead all being to enlightenment. 

3. The Course of the Bodhisattva. 

At this stage, having already developed intention and taken the vow, the Bodhisattva is now able to set out along the path itself. The path consists of developing the Six Perfections, which are as follows. 

1. Dana/Cahrity - the perfection of giving. The generosity of giving something without expecting anything in return. 

2. Sila/Morality - the perfection of goodness. Thoughts, words, actions are all pure because they are based on the deep respect for all life. 

3. Kshanti/Patience - the perfection of composure. The confidence to accept things and people are as they are. 

4. Virya/Vigour - the perfection of energy. A natural effort to work on the benefit for all things. 

5. Dhyana/Meditation - the perfection of concentration. A constant clear mind to see all the situations as they truly are. 

6. Prajna/Wisdom - the perfection of wise understanding. Insight into the true nature of all the dharmas, the realising that everything is empty. 

4 Buddhahood

In the final stage, the Bodhisattva becomes enlightened. Having undertaken the path, the Bodhisattva realises that the actions they have made in the service of other people, are the actions of a Buddha. In other words, the Bodhisattva is a Buddha all along. Taking the path is just simply the way of understanding this.