什麼是菩提心？我有一個很簡單的比喻：未發菩提心前，好像麵粉未下發粉；一旦發菩提心之後，好像放下麵種。久而久之，麵便會長大。若問菩提心像個什麼樣子？本來它是無形無相，只是個覺道。覺者，覺悟也，就是明白，明白道理。不單是明白，還要修這條道。

What is the Bodhi resolve? I have a very simple analogy: Before we bring forth the Bodhi resolve, we are like flour before yeast is added. Bringing forth the Bodhi resolve is like adding yeast to the dough, so that it will rise and expand over time. What is the Bodhi resolve like? It is without any form or mark; it is only the enlightened Way. To be enlightened means to understand; to understand the principles of the Way. Yet we should not stop at understanding the principles; we must also cultivate the Way.

也可以用寶塔來比喻菩提心：這一座寶塔，無論它多高多大，必要從地上修起；地，就是我們的心地。要從地上建這座寶塔，使它一層比一層高。菩提心，也是從心地上建起，愈發愈大，愈發愈高；本來只是一點點，很小的，但逐漸膨脹、發大；等到功德圓滿了，最後可以成佛。這只是我一個很粗淺的看法，一個簡單的比喻。

The Bodhi resolve can also be compared to a pagoda: no matter how tall a pagoda you plan to build, you have to start from the ground. The ground is analogous to our "mind ground." Just as we have to build a pagoda story by story from the ground up, the Bodhi resolve is similarly built up from the mind ground. Starting very small, it gradually grows greater and higher. And eventually, when we perfect our merit and virtue, we will become Buddhas. This is only a very simple and rough analogy.