The Second Stage
Stages of the Mahayana Bodhisattva Path are similar to the Theravada idea of the Noble Eight-fold Path, although not the same in the order of the stages, as well as the aim of the various stages that comprise the total trajectory that the Bodhisattva has to traverse. The idea of the Bodhisattva path is linked to the idea of bodhicitta, the aspiration of becoming enlightened, and this aim is for the benefit of all sentient beings—when compared to the Arahant idea it is distinguished by the fact, that the Bodhisattva holds off on attaining final non-returning Nirvana until all sentient beings are brought along the journey of the Bodhisattva path towards enlightenment.
Various Mahayana texts discuss the stages of the path in varying detail and order. For this fourth article in the series, I’ve mainly followed the stages of the Path as explained in the Dasa Bhumika Sutra. Dasa bhumika in Sanskrit means ten stages. Prior to these ten stages, and similar to how the Theravada Eight-fold Path had the gotrabhu (becoming of the lineage), some texts define two preliminary stages that were explained in Part 1 of this series. I’ve also consulted the abhidharmsamuccaya text of Asanga that provides additional information for the stages, as well as the Sutralamkara text.
In this article, I’ll cover the second stage of the 10 Stages of the Mahayana Bodhisattva Path.
Stage 2. The Spotless Unstained stage (vimala bhumi)
The second stage is called Spotless and Unstained, because the Bodhisattva realizes that he has become free from unwholesome and bad actions. The Bodhisattva has perfected the Mahayana virtuous precepts (sila paramita) and attained the bases of the ten virtuous and skillful actions (kusala mula). Their thoughts are free from any taints or defilements. The Bodhisattva practices absorption meditation (dhyana) and mind concentration (samadhi).
The Sutralamkara clarifies the Sanskrit term vimala as becoming pure of mind, by freeing oneself from the stain of immorality (dauhsilya-mala) and the stain of attention paid to other vehicles (anyayana-manas-karamala). Vehicles in this sense refers to Non-Mahayana schools of thought.
A Bodhisattva, who practiced and attained the first stage, now aims for the second stage, where one develops the ten intentions of the mind: straight-forward, kind hearted, pliable, well tamed and self-controlled, even-minded, auspicious and helpful, undivided, indifferent, subliminal and greatness.
The mind intention of straight-forward relates to the concentration required to not deviate from the straight path and focus on the task at hand of the perfection of virtue:
When these mind intentions are well developed and come to fruition, the Bodhisattva establishes oneself in the second stage.
Along with the development of the positive intentions of the mind, the Bodhisattva no longer has any negative actions, such as:
This attainment has an effect on how the Bodhisattva sees other sentient beings who are still suffering in cyclical round of birth, aging, and death; because of this, the Bodhisattva commits to convincing others to avoid unwholesome actions, speech, and thoughts as well. This shows how what is attained is directly beneficial to others, in that the right conduct and right view is put into practice to help others immediately. In teaching others what one has attained oneself, the Bodhisattva has the ability to see how each person has a varying level of unwholesome demerit and wholesome merit, and knowns where to help each individual based on their immediate need in each person’s particular weaker areas.
In turn, those who are helped see the great compassion in the Bodhisattva, who now indiscriminately teaches and guides those who are in need, helping them to attain the same right conduct and right view. Out of the perfections (paramita) that are practices as part of the Bodhisattva Mahayana stages, the perfection of virtue (sila paramita) is accentuated in this stage and becomes well established. Virtue in oneself and towards others.
In the next article, I’ll be discussing The Third Stage of the Mahayana Bodhisattva Path in full detail.
I will flag comment spam at 1% strength. If you keep on spamming my post, I will flag you at 100%. I don't care if you have limited English abilities, write a couple of sentences about this article, no copy-paste, please. I will flag: one sentence comments, links to your blog and begging for up-votes and follows. Also, I will flag comments that have nothing to do with my blog's article. I will also check your comment section to see if you have been comment spamming on other blogs.
A link to My Blog