This article is divided into three main sections: firstly，translating a chapter in Tsong-kha-pa's (1359- 1415) Shesrab-kyi-pha-rol-tu-phyinpa man-ngag gi bstan bcos mngon-parrtogs-pa'i rgyan 'grel-pa dang bcas-pa rgya char bshad-pa legs bshad gser-gyi-phreng-ba, in order to show the connotation of 'rising a mind for enlightenment' in tibetan Buddhism. Secondly，revising the T'ang monk `Chien-chen's` (潛真，n.d.) P'u-t'i-hsin I (菩提心 義 or' An Interpretation on Buddhicitta) and some other relevant Chinese Buddhist works, in order to show the connotation of the above-mentioned Buddhist idea in Chinese Buddhism. THirdly，discussing the psychological function of 'rising a mind for enlightenment' in Mahayana Buddhist's religious practice.
In Mahayana Buddhism，one who rises his mind to be enlightened is looking forward to become a Buddha. Therefore，he does his best to assit others as his goal. From a psychological point of view，a Mahayanist Bodhisattva who rises such a mind，is expecting to become a Buddha in his future，somewhat like a primary student who expects to become a teacher or a medical doctor when he grows up. Both of them are defining a prospective role for themself with their expecation for the future. Therefore, encouraging the Mahayanists to rise their minds to be enlightened，is a good way of encouraging them to exert themselves developing the potential of their buddha Nature.
