Practicing bodhicitta in the Mahāyāna tradition often feels like tuning an instrument—gentle, steady, and intentional. Here are some time-tested approaches:

1. Laying the Groundwork with Thought Training (Lojong)
   • Reflect on the shared desire for happiness and freedom from suffering among all beings.
   • Use slogans like “Sending and taking (tonglen),” inhaling pain and exhaling relief. This reverse breathing practice has enjoyed a revival in mindfulness circles, even popping up in wellness apps this year.

2. Cultivating Universal Love through Meditation
   • Metta (loving-kindness) sessions: silently repeat phrases such as “May all beings be safe, happy, and at peace.”
   • Visualize a network of light extending from the heart, much like the solidarity seen at recent climate marches or global health campaigns.

3. Exchanging Self with Others
   • Analyze how clinging to a separate self fuels self-centered habits.
   • Deliberately swap roles—imagine taking on others’ suffering and offering them one’s own merits. It’s a bit like walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, only with compassion as the sole currency.

4. Generosity and Ethical Conduct
   • Sidestep the “me first” mindset by volunteering or sharing resources. Think of it as turning compassion into action—no idle talk, just walking the talk.
   • Uphold precepts as the backbone of trust; generosity blooms on a foundation of integrity.

5. Aspiration Prayers and Vows
   • Chant the Great Aspiration (Mahāvohāra) daily or whenever discouragement creeps in.
   • Joining virtual vow-taking ceremonies this year has connected thousands around the globe, proving technology can help bind hearts.

6. Study and Reflection on Bodhisattva Stories
   • Dive into tales of Avalokiteśvara’s boundless mercy or Kṣitigarbha’s unshakable resolve. Their examples serve as practical blueprints for modern life.

Layering these practices—like adding flavors to a curry—gradually awakens the heart’s innate wish to liberate all beings. Over time, bodhicitta shifts from a noble idea into the very air one breathes.