, PRACTICES OF BODHISATTVAS’ MIND AND BEHAVIOR TRANS- FORMATION AS A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF MAHAYANA BUD- DHISM // BSU bulletin. Philosophy. - 2018. №3. Философия. Philosophy. - С. 56-61.

PRACTICES OF BODHISATTVAS’ MIND AND BEHAVIOR TRANS- FORMATION AS A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF MAHAYANA BUD- DHISM

DOI: 10.18101/1994-0866-2018-2-3-56-61 UDK: 1:242

The article discusses the bodhisattvas’ practice based on Shantideva's text "Bodhi- caryāvatāra" and its most detailed comments in social and philosophical interpretation. The text by a great master Nalanda Shantideva is considered one of the main sources of Buddha Shakyamuni’s Teachings, and a masterpiece of world poetry up to now. The elevation of religious and philosophical inspiration along with practical wisdom and higher knowledge make the text of Bodhicaryāvatāra spiritual and able to over- come all the limitations of ordinary human mind. It concerns the specific spiritual practice of mind transformation, the practice of developing a special state of mind and attitude to the world and to all living beings — bodhichittas — in the tradition of Ma- hayana. It grants Buddhist practice the status of Mahayana practice. Up to this point, the practices of Hinduses and Buddhists (shamatha), Hinayana and Mahayana practi- tioners (withdrawal, wisdom comprehending emptiness) are identical, if we don’t take into account the initial motivation of activity. Therefore, we consider that it is neces- sary to demonstrate the most important distinguishing features of Mahayana Buddhism — Bodhisattvas practice and its role in building social relations.

mind transformation; development of Bodhichitta; bodhisattva; arya; arhat; the Eightfold Path; bodhichitta; Enlightenment; Sutrayana and Vajrayana; Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana.