The stages of bodhisattvahood follow the development of practice from the moment of a person’s first aspiration to attain awakening, when the person bases their life on the four great vows and cultivates the six perfections for three immeasurable kalpas.

The Four Great Vows

Sentient beings are innumerable; I vow to save them all.
Our defilements are inexhaustible; I vow to quench them all.
The Buddha’s teachings are immeasurable; I vow to know them all.
The Way of the Buddha is unexcelled; I vow to attain the Path Sublime.

The Six Perfections

The perfection of generosity The perfection of morality
The perfection of patience
The perfection of energy
The perfection of meditation
The perfection of wisdom

By practicing these six perfections, the six delusions of stinginess, immorality, impatience, sloth, distraction, and foolishness will be eradicated.