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**horoshevapola** · 08-23-2010, 03:17 PM

The difference is mainly in the motivation. Bodhicitta is often translated as "compassion", but it's much more than that. It's about reaching Enlightenment for the sake of the others. Therefore, the methods also differ. Theravada practitioners will focus on reaching Nirvana, Emptiness, and once reached, will remain in it for eons! Mahayana practitioners will focus on helping others, wishing to reach omniscience for the sake of the others, reaching Emptiness as a means, not a goal.

Whilst not meaning to show disrespect to the lama, this quote sounds like sectarian "Greater Vehicle" promotional talk to me, I'm afraid.

I was involved with Tibetan Buddhism for most of my life until I started investigating the Buddha's core teachings and Theravada, and this type of pushing of some higher ideal existing only in Mahayana, is quite frankly ridiculous because it isn't evident if one actually bothers to investigate offline as I have done with the Theravada Forest Tradition. As for the above comment about Theravada practitioners, ....do people actually take that kind of statement seriously ?

Quite apart from that, does anyone ever consider how on earth someone can "save all sentient beings" ? What about the actual grass-roots practicalities of such a goal?....quite apart from the fact that maybe all beings dont want to be 'saved' !

First one needs to learn to use the methods outlined by the Buddha to remove one's own numerous misperceptions, before one can even get anywhere near to acquiring any skills to aid others on the path.

In addition to what I was saying #11, Ajahn Sumedho said (in connection with the Unborn/ Unconditioned) "Unconditioned love is the basis of everything"

The talk and following discussion from which some excerpts have been taken and mentioned here (I took notes) was recorded, and I will put a link to it at BWB when the podcast goes online.

08-23-2010, 03:17 PM	#18
horoshevapola Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 351 Senior Member	The difference is mainly in the motivation. Bodhicitta is often translated as "compassion", but it's much more than that. It's about reaching Enlightenment for the sake of the others. Therefore, the methods also differ. Theravada practitioners will focus on reaching Nirvana, Emptiness, and once reached, will remain in it for eons! Mahayana practitioners will focus on helping others, wishing to reach omniscience for the sake of the others, reaching Emptiness as a means, not a goal. Whilst not meaning to show disrespect to the lama, this quote sounds like sectarian "Greater Vehicle" promotional talk to me, I'm afraid. I was involved with Tibetan Buddhism for most of my life until I started investigating the Buddha's core teachings and Theravada, and this type of pushing of some higher ideal existing only in Mahayana, is quite frankly ridiculous because it isn't evident if one actually bothers to investigate offline as I have done with the Theravada Forest Tradition. As for the above comment about Theravada practitioners, ....do people actually take that kind of statement seriously ? Quite apart from that, does anyone ever consider how on earth someone can "save all sentient beings" ? What about the actual grass-roots practicalities of such a goal?....quite apart from the fact that maybe all beings dont want to be 'saved' ! First one needs to learn to use the methods outlined by the Buddha to remove one's own numerous misperceptions, before one can even get anywhere near to acquiring any skills to aid others on the path. In addition to what I was saying #11, Ajahn Sumedho said (in connection with the Unborn/ Unconditioned) "Unconditioned love is the basis of everything" The talk and following discussion from which some excerpts have been taken and mentioned here (I took notes) was recorded, and I will put a link to it at BWB when the podcast goes online.
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