The intention is everything with the Bodhisattva vows. We take the vows purely for the sake of others. Only when we dedicate for the sake of others and try our best to put what we have learned into practice will our practice become truly beneficial. The preparation for taking the Bodhisattva vows is really to know how to develop bodhicitta itself. We must have that knowledge and have the intention to develop our minds to really benefit others. In Mahayana, a “created” bodhicitta can be developed during meditation, but once the meditation stops, your mind stops. You should only take the Bodhisattva Vows when you have developed, or know how to develop, bodhicitta. 

Along with the vows, Bodhisattvas must abide by the Six Paramitas. It’s hard in this day and age to truly strictly abide and follow all the vows, or even remember them all, as to not break…