4.B.2.C.2.b. How to Take the Bodhisattva Vows.

1. Taking the bodhisattva vows if they haven't taken them before
2. Having taken vows, how to keep them pure & prevent degeneration
   1. Commitments of the aspiring bodhisattva vows [Teachings]
      1. How to prevent the bodhicitta from degenerating this life
         1. Remember the advantages of bodhicitta again and again.
            
         2. To strengthen one's bodhicitta, generate the thought to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings three times in the morning and three times in the evening. Recitation and contemplation of the prayer for taking refuge and generating the dedicated heart is a good way to fulfil this.
         3. Do not give up working for sentient beings even when they are harmful.
         4. To enhance one's bodhicitta, accumulate both merit and wisdom continuously.
      2. How to prevent losing the bodhicitta in future lives
         1. Abandon the four black actions
            1. Deceiving the Guru, abbot or other holy beings with lies.
            2. Causing others to regret virtuous actions that they have done.
            3. Abusing or criticizing bodhisattvas or the Mahayana.
            4. Not acting with a pure selfless wish but with pretention and deceit.
         2. Practice the four white actions:
            1. Abandon deliberately deceiving and lying to Gurus, abbots and so forth.
            2. Be straightforward, without pretension or deceit.
            3. Generate the recognition of bodhisattvas as one's teacher and praise them.
            4. Not acting with a pure selfless wish but with pretention and deceit.
               
               
   2. Commitments of the engaged bodhisattva vows [18 Root Vows] [46 Auxiliary Vows] [Teachings]