Full translations
An Exhortation to Resolve Upon Bodhi
The Resolve for Bodhi (bodhicitta), the aspiration to reach full Awakening for the sake of all living beings, is a core element of Mahayana Buddhism. This short text by Master Xing An (d. 1734) who lived in Hangzhou, provides instructions on the Resolve for Bodhi that fit well into the Chinese cultural context, while staying true to the spirit of Mahayana Buddhism. Mainly written for a monastic audience, the text provides an intriguing glimpse into the Buddhism of the Qing Dynasty, which is yet to receive much scholarly attention. At the same time, the text and its modern commentary by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua also speak to the people of the twenty-first century, asking what makes our lives worth living.
(Based on audio recordings of lectures given by Master Hua at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah, California, in 1979, and at Gold Mountain Monastery in San Francisco in 1985) (Source Accessed Mar 24, 2025)
Book
On Generating the Resolve to Become a Buddha
In this volume, Bhikshu Dharmamitra presents translations of three classic works on the bodhisattva vow (bodhicitta) authored by: The early Indian monastic eminence, Arya Nagarjuna (2nd c.); The Dhyana Master and Pureland Patriarch, Sheng'an Shixian (1686-1734); The Tang Dynasty literatus and prime minister, the Honorable Peixiu (797-870). Given that the bodhisattva vow constitutes the very essence of the path to buddhahood, this text can be said to be dedicated to the most important topic in all of Mahayana Buddhism. The translation and notes are by the American monk, Bhikshu Dharmamitra. This volume includes text outlines and facing-page source text in both traditional and simplified scripts. (Source Accessed Jan 15, 2025)
Book
Similar title
Quan fa pu ti xin wen (Pei Xiu)
Pei Xiu's Bodhicitta Essay is his only work that systematically articulates his views of Buddhist practice. It is not a doctrinal treatise that deals with scholastic discussion of sophisticated Buddhist concepts. Rather, it is targeted at beginners to provide a comprehensive guide for practice. As its content suggests, this piece, addressed universally to both members of the clergy and the laity, explains the meaning of bodhi, bodhicitta, and the procedures for cultivation necessary to achieve bodhicitta. (Source: Jiang Wu, "Pei Xiu (791–864) and Lay Buddhism in Tang Chan" Journal of Chan Buddhism 2 (2020): 56.
Text
Teachings
An Exhortation to Resolve Upon Bodhi
The Resolve for Bodhi (bodhicitta), the aspiration to reach full Awakening for the sake of all living beings, is a core element of Mahayana Buddhism. This short text by Master Xing An (d. 1734) who lived in Hangzhou, provides instructions on the Resolve for Bodhi that fit well into the Chinese cultural context, while staying true to the spirit of Mahayana Buddhism. Mainly written for a monastic audience, the text provides an intriguing glimpse into the Buddhism of the Qing Dynasty, which is yet to receive much scholarly attention. At the same time, the text and its modern commentary by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua also speak to the people of the twenty-first century, asking what makes our lives worth living.
(Based on audio recordings of lectures given by Master Hua at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah, California, in 1979, and at Gold Mountain Monastery in San Francisco in 1985) (Source Accessed Mar 24, 2025)
Book
