The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c7.s2: II

c7.s2.1

*Adhimukti*.—The second idea, which is associated with this preliminary stage, is that of *adhimukti* (Aspiration). The *M.S. Al.* mentions *adhimukti* as a quality possessed by a *bodhisattva* in the *gotra* Stage,⁴¹ but it does not devote a special chapter to *adhimukti-caryā*. In this stage, a bodhisattva is afraid of pain and is not prepared to suffer pain for the sake of others.⁴² But he has now commenced his progress towards the goal.⁴³ When he has purified himself in this condition, he will be fit to enter on the first of the ten real *bhūmis* (Stages) of his career.⁴⁴ But he is as yet deficient in virtuous action; he is not free from faults and imperfections; and he is not regular and consistent in his life.⁴⁵ He possesses the idea of perfection only in the state of germ or cause, as a latent possibility; and his Aspiration may be feeble, moderately strong, or very intense.⁴⁶ Noble Aspiration must always precede "the Thought of *bodhi*".