The 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas from Udemy

A Bodhisattva is one who strives to attain enlightenment.

Bodhisattva is a sanskrit word that means “Enlightenment Being.” It has multiple definitions:

Bodhisattva:

an enlightened person
one who is on the path to enlightenment
one who enlightens others.

Mahayana Buddhism rests entirely on the Bodhisattva ideal. We have innate wakefulness—we are enlightened already—but we are also on the path to realizing the fact that we are awakened and our true nature is not separate from bringing others to awakening along with us. Helping others is helping ourselves and helping ourselves is realizing what has always been true.

This text “the 37 practices of a Bodhisattva” is a concise text written by a Tibetan teacher in the 14th century named Togme Zangpo who was a member of the Sakya lineage. It’s a summary of how we should behave as we are on the path to awakening. It’s a Tibetan Mahayana teaching. Togme Zangpo describes 37 practices we should adopt on the Bodhisattva path.

Even if we don’t have the lofty goal of being Bodhisattvas, these teachings can still help us deal with the ordinary problems in our lives. We can learn to handle our lives better by following these methods.

Togme Zangpo is well respected as a scholar in the Tibetan lineages. His parents died when he was a child and he entered monastery living at the age of 9. Not much is known about him, but he studied and practiced for decades and decades and is considered an important figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism and he’s known for deeply studying the Way of the Bodhisattva and Lamrim teachings.

Togme Zangpo was thought of as a Bodhisattva and his teachings are studied by all the various lineages in Tibetan Buddhism.

He was a specialist in the Bodhisattva path.

This work, the 37 practices is one that means a lot to me. I hope you like it too.

I’m going to present the introductory verses here.

Homage to Lokesvaraya

You who see that experience has no coming or going,Yet pour your energy solely into helping beings,My excellent teachers and Lord All Seeing,I humbly and constantly honor with my body, speech, and mind.

The fully awake, the buddhas, source of joy and well-being,All come from integrating the noble Way.Because integration depends on your knowing how to practice,I will explain the practice of all bodhisattvas.

Lokesvaraya is another name for Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. In referencing him, the text is declaring that this is a teaching based cultivating compassion.

Zangpo starts by sublimating our egos by paying homage to teachers and Bodhisattvas. And he has described integration of the dharma as the goal of our practice.

Through the teachings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas we gain the benefits of instruction on entering the path.

It starts with humility and compassion, as many Mahayana texts do. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring it with me.

What's inside

Learning objective

The bodhisattva path

Syllabus

Introduction

Negative Places

Make Life Meaningful

Things to Give Up

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the core tenets of Mahayana Buddhism, offering insights into compassion and the path to enlightenment, which may resonate with spiritual seekers

Presents a concise text from a respected Tibetan teacher, providing a structured approach to personal growth and ethical conduct, which may appeal to learners seeking guidance

Draws from a 14th-century Tibetan text, which may require learners to familiarize themselves with the historical and cultural context of Tibetan Buddhism

Examines practices such as giving up harsh words and negative emotions, which may be valuable for learners seeking to improve their interpersonal relationships

Focuses on the Bodhisattva ideal, which may not align with the interests of learners seeking secular approaches to mindfulness and well-being

Reviews summary

Insights into bodhisattva path

According to learners, this course offers a deep dive into the ancient Tibetan text, "The 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas". Many appreciate how the instructor breaks down complex concepts, making the teachings accessible and relatable for modern life. Students find the material provides profound insights into core Buddhist principles and offers practical methods for developing compassion and navigating challenges. While the text is historically significant and philosophical, reviews suggest the presentation makes it applicable to personal practice. Some note that a basic familiarity with Buddhist terminology or philosophy might enhance the learning experience, but overall, it is viewed as a highly valuable resource for those interested in the Bodhisattva path.

Beneficial with prior Buddhist knowledge.

"While explained well, having some familiarity with basic Buddhist terms helps."

"I felt slightly lost on some concepts initially without knowing the context from other teachings."

"Probably best suited for someone who already has some interest or background in Mahayana Buddhism."

Offers significant depth into the Bodhisattva ideal.

"Gain profound insights into the true meaning of the Bodhisattva path."

"This isn't a superficial overview; it goes deep into the philosophy and practice."

"I've studied Buddhism before, but this course provided a deeper understanding of compassion and emptiness."

"The material is rich and thought-provoking, requiring reflection and contemplation."

Teachings are applicable to daily life challenges.

"The practices aren't just theory; I can see how to apply them to my interactions and mindset daily."

"It's amazing how relevant these 14th-century teachings are for dealing with modern problems."

"I've started integrating some of these methods into my routine, and it's making a difference."

"This course gave me practical tools for handling difficult situations with more compassion."

Instructor makes challenging text accessible.

"The way the teacher explained the verses made this ancient text understandable and relevant."

"I found the explanations incredibly clear, helping me grasp difficult philosophical points."

"Breaking down each practice verse by verse really helps digest the profound meaning."

"The instructor's ability to simplify dense material is truly impressive."

"I was worried the text would be too hard, but the lectures guide you through it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas with these activities:

Review 'The Way of the Bodhisattva'

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Expand your understanding of the Bodhisattva path by studying a foundational text.

View The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara),... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Way of the Bodhisattva'.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how the teachings relate to your life.

Review Buddhist Concepts

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Solidify your understanding of core Buddhist concepts to better grasp the Bodhisattva path.

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Identify key Buddhist concepts.
Review definitions and explanations of each concept.
Reflect on how these concepts relate to the Bodhisattva ideal.

Discuss the 37 Practices with Peers

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Deepen your understanding of the 37 practices through collaborative discussion and shared insights.

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Form a study group with other students.
Choose a practice to discuss in each session.
Share your interpretations and experiences.
Listen to and learn from others' perspectives.

Four other activities

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Create a Personal Reflection Journal

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Integrate the teachings into your daily life by reflecting on how the 37 practices apply to your experiences.

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Dedicate a journal for reflections.
After each course module, write about how the practice relates to your life.
Identify challenges and opportunities for applying the practice.

Review 'What Makes You Not a Buddhist'

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Clarify your understanding of fundamental Buddhist principles.

View What Makes You Not a Buddhist on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'What Makes You Not a Buddhist'.
Read the book, paying attention to the key concepts.
Reflect on how these concepts relate to the Bodhisattva path.

Volunteer at a Local Charity

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Embody the Bodhisattva ideal of compassion by actively helping those in need.

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Research local charities that align with your values.
Contact the charity and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.
Reflect on how your volunteer work embodies the Bodhisattva path.

Write a Blog Post on a Practice

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Share your understanding of a specific practice with a wider audience.

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Choose a practice that resonates with you.
Research the practice and gather supporting information.
Write a blog post explaining the practice and its benefits.
Share your blog post on social media.

Career center

Learners who complete The 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Spiritual Counselor

Spiritual counselors provide guidance and support to individuals seeking meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives. This course may be useful for a spiritual counselor due to its focus on the Bodhisattva path, which emphasizes enlightenment and compassion. The course provides tools and practices to manage negative emotions, to cultivate compassion for oneself and others, and to understand the nature of suffering. The course's focus on benefiting others would be particularly helpful to a spiritual counselor, whose role is often to guide others toward inner peace and fulfillment. Understanding the practices of the Bodhisattva path can help a spiritual counselor better support those on their own spiritual journey.

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Social Worker

A social worker provides support and advocacy for individuals and families in need. The course, with its emphasis on compassion and service to others, may be useful to a social worker. The course could help those in this role deepen their understanding of human suffering and develop practices for managing difficult emotions. The syllabus covers themes such as bringing harsh words onto the path and bringing ingratitude onto the path, which would be useful in a challenging role like a social worker. The teachings on generosity and benefiting others could fuel the passion of a social worker dedicated to helping others.

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Caregiver

Caregivers provide direct support to individuals who need assistance, often elderly or disabled. This course may be useful to a caregiver due to its focus on compassion, patience, and mindfulness. The course encourages one to approach all people with understanding and empathy, which benefits caregivers who are often in stressful situations. The course’s teachings on handling difficult emotions and practicing generosity and patience may help a caregiver to better support their clients, improving quality of life for both. The content about bringing harsh words and ingratitude may also help a caregiver react skillfully in challenging moments.

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Nonprofit Director

A nonprofit director is responsible for the overall management and direction of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful as it provides a framework for acting with compassion and a dedication to benefiting others. The teachings on mindfulness, managing negative emotions, and cultivating patience, can help a nonprofit director navigate the challenges of leading a mission driven organization. A nonprofit director may draw inspiration from the Bodhisattva ideal, promoting a culture of service and integrity. This course’s content around generosity could guide a nonprofit director who wants to establish meaningful programs and engage their community.

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Grief Counselor

A grief counselor provides support and guidance to individuals and families experiencing loss and bereavement. This course’s teachings on the Bodhisattva path, especially its emphasis on compassion, mindfulness, and understanding the nature of suffering, may be useful to a grief counselor. The course may help a grief counselor better understand the diverse range of emotions associated with loss. The course may help a grief counselor become more effective at supporting clients through their sorrow. The syllabus' themes of bringing things onto the path and living with awareness may also be relevant.

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Therapist

Therapists provide mental health support through various counseling techniques. This course’s emphasis on the Bodhisattva path and its teachings may be valuable to a therapist who wants to deepen their practice. The course's teachings on compassion, understanding the nature of suffering, and handling negative emotions may be useful to a therapist who is helping clients overcome challenges in their lives. The exploration of the themes of attachment, aversion, and delusion might bring new insights to help the therapist guide their clients. The material could help a therapist better connect with clients.

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Volunteer Coordinator

A volunteer coordinator recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for an organization, often in the nonprofit sector. This course might be particularly useful for a volunteer coordinator due to its emphasis on service to others, compassion, and mindfulness. The teachings on benefiting others and cultivating a mind intent on benefitting others can inspire a volunteer coordinator to engage volunteers in a meaningful way. The course may help a volunteer coordinator deepen their commitment to service and cultivate a positive and purpose-driven volunteer environment. The syllabus’ themes of humility and generosity also align with the spirit of volunteerism.

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Meditation Instructor

A meditation instructor guides individuals or groups in various meditation techniques. This course, with its focus on the Bodhisattva path and practices, may be useful for a meditation instructor who wants to deepen their understanding of mindfulness, compassion, and the path to enlightenment. The teachings on handling negative emotions, attachment, and aversion, covered in the syllabus, would translate to valuable skills for guiding others in their own journeys. The course's emphasis on humility and benefiting others also aligns with the core values of a meditation practice.

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Life Coach

Life coaches work with individuals to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. This course might be valuable for a life coach because it provides a framework for understanding and managing challenges in life. The course’s teachings on dealing with adversity, cultivating patience, and practicing mindfulness may help a coach empower their clients to navigate personal obstacles and create a life with more meaning. The exploration of topics like attachment, hatred, and negative emotions could further support a coach's understanding of human behavior. The course content about compassion could assist a life coach in helping their clients become more kind to themselves and others.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to mobilize and empower communities to address social issues. This course may be relevant to a community organizer due to its emphasis on service to others, compassion, and the integration of dharma in everyday life. The course teaches the importance of working toward the good of all beings, which is a key value for any community organizer. This course's focus on humility and intention aligns with the core principles of community organizing. The course may help a community organizer better connect with and empower the people they serve.

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Wellness Advocate

A wellness advocate promotes healthy lifestyles and well being through education and support. This course’s teachings on the Bodhisattva path, with its focus on mindfulness, compassion, and managing negative emotions, might be relevant to a wellness advocate. The course could help a wellness advocate better understand the connection between mental well being and physical health. The syllabus, which covers bringing prosperity and decline onto the path, can help a wellness advocate encourage their clients to approach life with a balanced perspective. The focus on cultivating a mind intent on benefiting others could also help a wellness advocate who aims to inspire others to live healthier lives.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students in a variety of subjects, helping them to grow intellectually and personally. The practices and principles of the Bodhisattva path discussed in this course could help a teacher foster a more compassionate and inclusive learning environment. The course’s focus on mindfulness and emotional regulation can be valuable tools a teacher can use to manage challenging classrooms. The course content on generosity and being of service to others also aligns with the role of a teacher, who aims to help their students develop into their best selves. A teacher may find that this course helps them refine their approach to education.

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Conflict Mediator

A conflict mediator helps individuals or groups to resolve disputes constructively. This course may be useful for a conflict mediator looking for new perspectives on communication, compassion, and understanding. By examining themes such as attachment, aversion, and confusion, one could better understand the roots of disagreements. The teachings on bringing harsh words onto the path and cultivating patience can provide conflict mediators with new tools for de-escalating challenging interactions. The course's central idea of helping all beings could motivate a conflict mediator to seek solutions that benefit all parties.

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Ethics Consultant

An ethics consultant advises organizations on ethical decision making, helping them to establish and maintain high standards of conduct. The teachings in this course, especially those concerning the cultivation of compassion and the management of negative emotions, could be useful to someone in this role. The course's exploration of themes such as attachment, aversion, and delusion could offer new ways of thinking about and addressing ethical dilemmas. An ethics consultant may find this course helps them advocate for fairness and equality in the decisions of an organization they advise. The course’s focus on integrity also provides a unique framework for navigating ethical complexities.

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Human Resources Specialist

A human resources specialist is responsible for managing employee relations, compensation, and company culture. This course’s teachings on compassion and managing difficult emotions might be helpful for an HR specialist, who frequently deals with sensitive issues in the workplace. Understanding themes such as attachment, aversion, and delusion could bring useful insights for an HR professional seeking to create a healthy work environment. The course’s content on bringing harsh words onto the path may assist a human resources professional in addressing team conflicts and improving communication. Overall, this course may help this specialist foster a more positive workplace.

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The 37 Practices of All Bodhisattvas

What's inside

Learning objective

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Insights into bodhisattva path

Activities

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