The Basic Introduction To The Bodhisattva Vow

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva / 地蔵菩薩

The Bodhisattva vow is a vow (Sanskrit: pranidhana, lit. aspiration or resolution) taken by some Mahayana Buddhists to achieve full Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings. One who has taken the vow is nominally known as a Bodhisattva (a being working towards Buddhahood). This can be done by venerating all Buddhas and by cultivating supreme moral and spiritual perfection to be placed in the service of others.

Particularly, Bodhisattvas promise to practice the six perfections of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom in order to fulfil their hicitta aim of attaining Buddhahood for the sake of all beings. 

The vow is commonly taken in a ritual setting, overseen by a senior monastic, teacher, or guru. Whereas the pratimokṣa vows cease at death, the bodhisattva vow extends into future lives. The Bodhisattva vows should not be confused with the Bodhisattva Precepts (Sanskrit: Bodhisattva-sila), which are specific ethical guidelines for Bodhisattvas. 

According to the Mahavastu, Shakyamuni Buddha's first vow to become a Buddha was made under another past Buddha also called Shakyamuni. The vow is reported as follows:

When the Bodhisattvas have laid up an abundant store of merit and have their body and mind well developed, they approach the beautiful Buddhas and turn their thoughts to enlightenment (each vowing).

"By the merit I have formerly laid up in store, may I have insight into all things. May my vow not come to naught, but may what I vow come to pass.

"May my store of the root of merit be great enough for all living beings. Whatever evil deed has been done by me, may I alone reap its bitter fruit.

"So may I run my course through the world as He whose mind is rid of attachments does. May I set rolling the wheel of Dharma that has not its equal and is honoured and revered by devas and men." 

The Mahavastu depicts Shakyamuni taking other vows under other past Buddhas. When he meets the past Buddha Samitavin, the text also contains another vow, which is similar to the "fourfold vow" found in Mahayana sources:

May I in some future time become a Tathagata, an Arhan, a perfect Buddha, proficient in knowledge and conduct, a Sugata, an unsurpassed knower of the world, a driver of tameable men, and a teacher of devas and men, as this exalted Samitāvin now is. May I become endowed with the thirty-two marks of a great man, and may my body be adorned with his eighty minor characteristics. 

May I have the eighteen distinctive attributes of Buddhahood, be strong with the ten powers of a Tathagata, and be confident with the four grounds of self-confidence, as this exalted, perfect Buddha Samitāvin now is. Having crossed over, may I lead others across; comforted, may I comfort others; emancipated, may I emancipate others. May I become so for the benefit and welfare of mankind, out of compassion for the world, for the good of the multitude, and for the welfare and benefit of devas and men. 

The Theravada Nidanakatha has the following verses attributed to Sumedha (the past life of the Buddha) when he made his vow to become a Buddha under the past Buddha Dipankara: 

As I lay upon the ground, this was the thought in my heart: if I wished it, I might this day destroy within me all human passions.

But why should I, in disguise, arrive at the knowledge of the truth? I will attain omniscience and become a Buddha, and I will save men and devas.

Why should I cross the ocean resolutely but alone? I will attain omniscience and enable men and devas to cross.

By this resolution of mine, I, a man of resolution, will attain omniscience and save men and devas, cutting off the stream of transmigration, annihilating the three forms of existence, and embarking on the ship of the truth. I will carry across with me men and devas. 

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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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