His Holiness The Dalai Lama on taking the Bodhisattva vow, teaching given at Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India [excerpts herein]
“As human beings, we should live in a way that accords with dignity, honesty and warm-heartedness. Without concern for past or future lives, as human beings our primary interest should be in helping others. This is something that people who are not Buddhists, as well as Buddhists, can appreciate… cultivate humility and a peaceful mind. If we can achieve love and compassion, it will lead to harmony among people around the world. And if we do that, our lives will have been meaningful and worthwhile. On the other hand, it would just be unfortunate to fight on the basis of ‘us’ and ‘them’. To share our lives with others out of love and compassion for them and a sense of the oneness of humanity is the best way to lead our lives.”
“As human beings living on this earth, we need to be honest and truthful, to cultivate love and compassion for each other and avoid making enemies.”
“Dharma, is about taming our minds and cultivating a heart intent on being of help to others, take the Bodhisattva vow and observe Bodhichitta as part of our daily lives.
“The Buddha Shakyamuni passed away more than 2500 years ago and yet his teaching has not become stale, it remains relevant today.”
“Seize this precious opportunity to take the Bodhisattva vow with delight in our hearts. This will be something significant. Please think about how fortunate we are.”
[Whilst taking the vow] visualize the Buddha in front surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats, the Six Ornaments and Two Supremes, the Tibetan Dharma Kings and masters of all the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Recite the following verses three times and to try to take the vow daily:
I seek refuge in the Three Jewels;
Each and every wrongdoing I confess.
I rejoice in the virtues of all beings.
I take to heart the state of Buddhahood.
I go for refuge until I am enlightened
To the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Supreme Assembly,
In order to fulfil the aims of myself and others
I develop the awakening mind.
Having developed the aspiration for highest enlightenment,
I invite all sentient beings as my guests,
I shall enact the delightful supreme enlightening practices.
May I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.