Recitation 37 practices of a Bodhisattva by Karunika Christine Hwang
Since beginningless time your mothers have cared for you—
If they now suffer, what good is your own happiness
Therefore, in order to liberate limitless sentient beings,
Giving rise to bodhichitta is the practice of a bodhisattva.
(verse 10)
37 practices of a Bodhisattva
The word bodhisattva is comprised of two parts: bodhi which means awakening, and sattva which means hero or warrior. The word’s meaning is: one whose goal is to attain awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Composed by Gyalsé Ngulchu Tokmé, the Thirty Seven Practices of the Bodhisattvas teaches us how to train our heart of compassion. In pithy verses, it distills the entire Mahayana journey of awakening. The instructional verses invite us to face the upsetting circumstances in the environment around us and within our own minds; offering us a way of seeing and approaching these hardships differently—transforming them into the practice of loving kindness and compassion.
“Its title in Tibetan is The Thirty-seven Practices of a Bodhisattva: a Summary of the Heart Essence of a Bodhisattva’s Conduct. This full title indicates two points: first that the text condenses all the Mahayana sutras, which teach the conduct of a Bodhisattva; and second, that it summarizes the heart essence of a Bodhisattva’s conduct, of which there are thirty-seven main practices. In Tibetan, the word for ‘practice’ literally translates as ‘to bring into experience.’ So, 37 practices can actually be brought into experience.”
~ Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
Those who wish to learn more about the Thirty-seven Practices of a Bodhisattva may download an eBook of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche’s commentary here.
Power of recitation
“Reciting the words of the enlightened buddhas and bodhisattvas carries with it immense blessing and power of aspiration. When we recite, we are engaging the Three Prajñās of Hearing, Contemplation, and Meditation. By reciting words of enlightened wisdom, we are planting the seeds of Hearing Liberation. If we are not only able to recite but also able to memorize prayers and aspirations, we will readily recall and carry the deeper meaning of these enlightened wisdom words in our hearts.”
~ Lama Rabten Tshering
Recording
Please find below the recitation of these verses by our Karunika Christine Hwang.
Note that the recited verses are based on the Marpa Translation Committee’s translation of the text.
Christine Hwang became a student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche in 2006, and has since been deeply involved in the Nalandabodhi and Nitartha Institute dharma communities. A graphic designer by profession, she enjoys exploring the beauty and mysteries of the world and the mind, and our varied experiences of them.
