Lesson 7 Summary: Bodhicitta Meditation
In this culminating module, Mark Griffin offers a deep, experiential transmission of the Bodhicitta—the awakened heart-mind of compassion and wisdom. He presents Bodhicitta not as an abstract virtue, but as a stabilizing force during the most intense inner transformations, particularly when one is navigating the “tempestuous waters” of purification.
Bodhicitta is accessed through the seat of the heart, a subtle space described as a “celestial akasha” located behind the sternum. There, the red energy of Kundalini rising from the base and the white Bodhicitta drop descending from the crown meet in equilibrium. This meeting point becomes a wellspring of courage, clarity, and love. It awakens the presence of the angels of generosity, patience, kindness, and aligns the practitioner with skillful means and stability.
Mark offers practical techniques to activate Bodhicitta, including deep bellows breathing, focus on the shushumna, and careful attunement to the SoHam mantra. Through this meditation, the yogi begins to feel the generation and balance of the four bodies and the cardinal channels of prana. The Bodhicitta becomes a functional, radiant center—a point where individual and universal will converge.
🌀 Questions for Contemplation & Journaling
Contemplation is the means by which we can “feel” our way into the deep, existential questions of life. In this way it is a mode of “thinking” that differs from discursive fact gathering —the step-by-step means by which we assemble and organize information. While this form of knowledge gathering can be crucial to our mastery of a subject, contemplation activates the intuitive faculties of mind that lead towards insight, understanding, wisdom, and realization.
Begin to observe how this ability to feel deeply into a subject differs from the more rudimentary stages of learning. Let Mark’s words move you into a space where the mind has room to integrate your own fields of deeper knowing. Towards that end each module will offer an opportunity for focused contemplation. We recommend journaling as a means to engage with these questions and to activate one’s own intuitive faculties.
Use these as daily or weekly points for deep reflection. Let them unfold within your awareness intuitively.
Contemplate
- How do I experience the ‘seat of the heart’ in my body and awareness? Mark invites us to feel into the deep heart, behind the sternum. What arises when you rest your attention there—not just physically, but emotionally and energetically?
- What situations in my life call for the courage and clarity of Bodhicitta? The Bodhicitta is described as a “fail safe” in difficult inner and outer circumstances. Where do you feel most challenged or unclear? How might the awakened heart respond?
- How do the rising and descending forces within me interact? Do I feel a need for greater balance? Explore your internal energetics: Kundalini rising from the root, and pure consciousness descending from the crown. Where are you imbalanced, and how can you meet in the heart?
- What does it mean to let the universal will move through my heart and guide my actions? This meditation helps us witness the convergence of individual and universal will. Reflect on moments when you surrendered deeply and right action emerged effortlessly.