43 Wisdom Quotes that Give Rise to the Mind of a Bodhisattva

Uncover our innate perfect wisdom and virtues, restore original true nature, and realize supreme enlightenment

Excerpted from “The Sutra on Generating the Supreme Aspiration of Bodhisattvas”

The 43 wisdom quotes are excerpted from the English translation of the “Sutra on Generating the Supreme Aspiration of Bodhisattvas”, which is based on the Chinese version translated from Sanskrit by Bodhiruci during the 6th century. It was taught by the Buddha at the request of Maitreya to sixty Bodhisattvas to help them generate aspiration along their path of enlightenment.

Such teachings are absolutely essential for anyone who aspires to progress along the enlightenment path. From the wisdom of this teaching, it enables us practitioners to clearly realize our faults, avoid potential hazards, and ensuring success in our Dharma practice.

Upholding and practicing the proper Dharma, eradicating the causes of suffering, spreading the words of the Buddha, and benefiting the world is arising the mind of a Bodhisattva.

Here are the 43 quotes of wisdom taught by Buddha Sakyamuni to the sixty Bodhisattavas upon the request of Maitreya:

1. Lecture on the Dharma using a variety of gentle and kind words and explanations to make the audience feel happy to hear it.
2. When we meet monastics or lay people, those who practice according to the way of Bodhisattvas, we need to respect and believe in them as they are the Teachers.
3. Do not see the faults of others.
4. Do not draw attention to the faults of others.
5. Avoid harsh language and miserliness.
6. We should be rid of laziness.
7. Avoid all confusing and agitating environments.
8. Be serene and content.
9. Do not pursue prestige or wealth.
10. Propagate the proper teachings often and widely to others.
11. Abide in the cultivation of purity and generate an awakened mind.
12. Even a little effort wisely applied can benefit infinite beings.
13. Vow to be focused and diligent [in the chosen method of cultivation], and protect and support the proper teachings.
14. Be comfortable and accord with [proper] conditions in whatever we do.
15. Earnestly protect and support the proper teachings, even with one’s life.
16. Always be diligent in cultivation and do not pursue personal gain.
17. Propagate and lecture on the Dharma for all people.
18. Be good at teaching so as to inspire others.
19. Let your mind be serene and gentle, and always be compassionate.
20. Be supremely patient with all dharmas, but do not be attached to them.
21. Do not crave personal gain or the respect of others. Instead, always keep a mind of purity and be filled with Dharma joy.
22. Seek the supreme, perfect enlightenment of a Buddha at all times and never forget.
23. Esteem others and behave respectfully towards them without any disdain.
24. Do not be attached to worldly learning and discussions. Generate the will to pursue the Seven Factors of Enlightenment.
25. Plant good roots, avoid bad influences, and have a pure mind.
26. Enjoy and always cultivate the wondrous practice of pure supreme karmas [deeds].
27. We should avoid all bad karmas [deeds] and cultivate the supreme practice.
28. Study, cultivate, and teach others with speech and by setting examples.
29. We should learn from, be close to, and make offerings to Bodhisattvas, who diligently practice meditative concentration.
30. Cultivate diligently for wisdom.
31. Wise men will avoid any place where there are untruthful, unbeneficial words or disputes as these will cause many afflictions.
32. Believe deeply in cause and effect.
33. Do not attach to excess sleeping or eating.
34. No jealousy.
35. Make offerings to the Three Jewels [Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha].
36. For seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, we should never tire of learning or feel that we have learned enough of the Dharma.
37. Do not see the faults of others or consider oneself to be superior.
38. Arrogance and indulgence are the causes of negligence. Do not despise any being.
39. Be awakened and feel ashamed [for bad deeds]. Be focused and diligent in the cultivation of concentration.
40. Be compassionate to all beings and do not even have the thought of harming any of them.
41. Be ashamed of and report all the bad deeds that have been committed.
42. Practice diligently the paramita of patience and abide contentedly in patience.
43. Be constantly mindful of impermanence and be cautious and do not indulge oneself.

The “Sutra on Generating the Supreme Aspiration of Bodhisattvas” describes how five hundred Bodhisattvas abandoned the Bodhisattva path due to the heavy negative karma that they had collected in the past.

Instructed by Maitreya, sixty of them paid a visit to the Buddha for advice. The Buddha pointed out their negative karma and the consequences. The Buddha then went on to teach them the way to attain liberation in this Dharma-Ending age by detailing the various kinds of faults that obstruct the ability of new bodhisattvas to generate the supreme aspiration.

The above selected quotes are excerpted from the English translation of the “Sutra on Generating the Supreme Aspiration of Bodhisattvas” (發起菩薩殊勝志樂經) that is based on the Chinese version translated from Sanskrit by Bodhiruci who came to China from North India during the 6th century. There might be some differences from the 84000 English translations which was translated from the Tibetan version. Translation credits go to Pure Land Translation Team.

English translation of this entire sutra did not appeared to be available these days, however, you may download the above quoted texts of wisdom from the selected collection of One Humanity Many Faiths (PDF), pages 26–32.