As a Vajrayana Buddhist whose ultimate aim is to reach Buddhahood, not just nirvana but Buddhahood, we must have Bodhichitta. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we wish to attain Buddhahood. We cannot attain it by mistake or accident. It has to happen intentionally. The intention must be to become a Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings. If I were to wish to become a Buddha just for my own reasons, it would never happen. This intention would make my Buddhahood limited, private, but Buddhahood cannot be limited. By definition Buddha is limitless. This means that Buddhahood has to be attained by a limitless purpose – the limitless freedom and liberation of limitless sentient beings. Bodhichitta, therefore, must be focused on enlightenment in this way.

Tai Situ Rinpoche

from the book Ground, Path and Fruition

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Further quotes from the book Ground, Path and Fruition:

• Bodhichitta is very specific
• Space is like the mind
• The foundation of devotion
• The Lineage of Refuge
• Appreciating the recognition of our weaknesses
• Immoral and moral actions
• Getting lost in good things
• Practice Joyfully
• Hope and fear