Machinery of the Soul 10 Elixir of Bodhichitta

Bodhichitta is a Buddhist term for the enlightened qualities of compassion and wisdom. Many aspire for these qualities but are thwarted by the poisons of attachment, hatred, and ignorance. Bodhichitta is found in the elements of our soul. We must become an alchemist to transmute the venom of our suffering into the nectar of our salvation, through the wise combination of spiritual enthusiasm and transmutation of our creative energies.

This lecture encompasses the common, greater, and limitless levels of motivation, and the inner, outer, and secret levels of bodhichitta, how it relates to spiritual birth, the Four Ethers of the Vital Body and how it relates to meditative concentration, the Four Immeasurables, the Six Paramitas, the Windhorse Energy, and Resurrection.

Bodhicitta is just like the supreme kind of alchemical elixir,

For it transforms this impure body we have taken

Into the priceless jewel image of the Victorious One’s body.

Therefore, very firmly seize (this elixir) called bodhicitta!

- Bodhicaryavatara, 1:10