The Ten Stages of the Bodhisattva Path - Second Bhumi (2/10)

Akasagarbha Bodhisattva / 虛空藏菩薩

In Buddhism, Bhumi, or stage. Every stage represents a level of attainment in that case and serves as the basis for the next one. Each level marks a definite advancement in one's training that is accompanied by progressively greater power and wisdom.

Stages, or Bhumi, is a Sanskrit word for "land" or "ground," and the list of ten Bhumis are ten "lands" a Bodhisattva must pass through on the way to Buddhahood. The Bhumis were important to early Mahayana Buddhism. A list of ten Bhumis appears in several Mahayana texts, although they are not always identical. The Bhumis are also associated with the perfections, or Paramitas.

The ten Bhumis literally mean the "grounds" or levels of Bodhisattvas in which the qualities of their training unfold. With the attainment of the tenth Bhumi, one arrives at and eventually reaches perfection at complete enlightenment.

Many schools of Buddhism describe some kind of path of development. Often, these are extensions of the Eightfold Path. Since this is a description of the progress of a Bodhisattva, much of the list below promotes the turning from concern for oneself to concern for others.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is the ideal of practise. This is an enlightened being who vows to remain in the world until all other beings realise enlightenment.

Here is a standard list taken from the Dashabhumika-sutra, which is taken from the larger Avatamsaka, or Flower Garland Sutra.

In the Ten Bhumis of the Dasabhumika Sutra. It refers to the following ten Bhumis:

1. The stage of joy, in which one rejoices at realising a partial aspect of the truth. 

The stage of freedom from defilement, in which one is free from all defilement.  

The Second Bhumi: The stage of freedom from defilement

Bodhisattvas on the second level, the "Stainless", perfect ethics and overcome all tendencies towards engagement in negative actions. Their control becomes so complete that even in dreams, they have no immoral thoughts. 

On all occasions of waking and dreaming, his movements or activities of body, speech, and mind are pure of even subtle infractions. He fulfils the three paths of virtuous actions—abandoning killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct—with his body; the middle four—abandoning lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, and senseless chatter—with his speech; and the last three—abandoning covetousness, harmful intent, and wrong views—with his mind. Not only does he refrain from what is prohibited, but he also fulfils all the positive achievements related to proper ethics.

According to Nagarjuna

The second is called the Stainless
Because all ten [virtuous] actions
Of body, speech, and mind are stainless
And they naturally abide by those [deeds of ethics].
Through the maturation of those [good qualities],
The perfection of ethics becomes supreme.
They become Universal Monarchs, helping beings,
Masters of the glorious four continents and of the seven precious objects.

Because of this, the bodhisattva's mind becomes purified and equanimous, which is a prerequisite for training in the four rupadhyanas ("form" meditative absorptions, i.e., those correlated with the form realm) and the four arupadhyanas (formless absorptions).

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Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease.

But increase further and further.

 

Dedication of Merit

By this merit, may we then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

 

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