In this conversation with ChatGPT I ask it about the Bodhisattva Vow.
Me: What is the Bodhisattva Vow?
ChatGPT: The Bodhisattva Vow is a vow made by a person to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who is dedicated to the attainment of enlightenment for the sake of all other beings and has made the vow to become a savior of others. The vow is often considered to be a commitment to engage in the Bodhisattva’s activities, which include the cultivation of compassion and wisdom, the abandonment of attachments and delusions, and the generation of altruistic thoughts and actions towards others.
Me: Please give me three examples of the Bodhisattva Vow — 1. traditional, 2. simplified, and 3. for children
ChatGPT: A traditional example of the Bodhisattva Vow is the Fourfold Vow of a Mahayana Bodhisattva:
Sentient beings are numberless; I vow to save them.
Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to put an end to them.
Dharmas are boundless; I vow to master them.
The Buddha Way is unsurpassable; I vow to attain it.
A simplified version of the Bodhisattva Vow is:
I vow to cultivate compassion and wisdom.
I vow to help others and alleviate their suffering.
I vow to work for the ultimate goal of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
An example of the Bodhisattva Vow for children could be:
I vow to be kind and helpful to others.
I vow to always try to do the right thing.
I vow to learn and grow as a person to be able to help others better.
It’s worth noting that the vow is not mandatory and it’s not a pledge you take once, it’s an aspiration that one can align with and strive to achieve through practice. These vow can also vary in specific details among different schools and traditions of Buddhism.
Me: Thank you
ChatGPT: You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any other questions.