Bodhicitta

In Buddhist thought, bodhicitta is the motivation of a bodhisattva. The word bodhicitta combines the words for enlightenment (Bodhi) and mind (Citta). It is sometimes translated as mind of enlightenment.

Buddhism
Basic terms
Three Jewels Four Noble Truths Dukkha Suffering Samudaya Cause of Suffering Nirodha Cessation of Suffering Magga Noble Eight Fold Path Buddhahood Enlightenment Nirvana
People
Gautama Buddha Dalai Lama Bodhisattva Sangha
Schools
Theravada Mahayana Zen Vajrayana Nyingma Kagyu Sakya Gelug
Practices
Dharma study Noble Eightfold Path Meditation Chanting Metta

Bodhicitta is taught to be the intent to become enlightened, not for oneself, but for the benefit of all beings.

Bodhicitta Media

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  Gandharan relief depicting the ascetic Megha (Shakyamuni in a past life) prostrating before the past Buddha Dīpaṅkara and vowing to become a Buddha, c. 2nd century CE (Gandhara, Swat Valley)