Receiving vows through television or internet recordings

The Way of the Bodhisattva L33

In this session, the focus shifts from preparation to the actual generation of the Bodhisattva Vow. Khenpo Sodargye elucidates the profound Mahayana aspiration to transform one's existence into "universal resources"—aspiring to become wish-fulfilling jewels, medicine for the sick, or even elemental forces like earth, water, fire, and wind to sustain all life. The lecture challenges the conventional view of holiness by suggesting that even inanimate objects like bridges, roads, or vehicles can be manifestations of compassion if they serve others. It discusses the necessity of a purely selfless mind, likened to a golden vessel needed to hold the "lion's milk" of Bodhichitta. Finally, the session concludes with a formal ceremony for taking the Bodhisattva Vow, addressing the validity of receiving precepts remotely through digital media.

"The Way of the Bodhisattva" is one of the most highly recommended texts of Khenpo Sodargye’s lifetime. He once said that among all the treatises he has translated and taught, this is the one that everyone should study thoroughly at least once. For those with faith, it guides the mind deeply into Buddhist principles and inspires a broad awakening of Bodhicitta. Even for those without faith, studying it can help reduce anger, stress, and suffering. If studied systematically from beginning to end, this text becomes a lifelong source of spiritual benefit. This course, taught by Khenpo Sodargye in 2006, consists of 201 lessons and carefully guides practitioners to cultivate Bodhicitta and enter the Bodhisattva path, using the clearest, most practical, and systematic approach to help students advance to higher dimensions of life and mind.