Practices of bodhisattvas’ mind and behavior transformation as a distinctive feature of Mahayana Buddhism

The article discusses the bodhisattvas’ practice based on Shantideva's text "Bodhi-caryavatara" and its most detailed comments in social and philosophical interpretation. The text by a great master Nalanda Shantideva is considered one of the main sources of Buddha Shakyamuni’s Teachings, and a masterpiece of world poetry up to now. The elevation of religious and philosophical inspiration along with practical wisdom and higher knowledge make the text of Bodhicaryavatära spiritual and able to overcome all the limitations of ordinary human mind. It concerns the specific spiritual practice of mind transformation, the practice of developing a special state of mind and attitude to the world and to all living beings - bodhichittas - in the tradition of Mahayana. It grants Buddhist practice the status of Mahayana practice. Up to this point, the practices of Hinduses and Buddhists (shamatha), Hinayana and Mahayana practitioners (withdrawal, wisdom comprehending emptiness) are identical, if we don’t take into account the initial motivation of activity. Therefore, we consider that it is necessary to demonstrate the most important distinguishing features of Mahayana Buddhism - Bodhisattvas practice and its role in building social relations.