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The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) Paperback – September 12, 2006
by Shantideva (Author), Padmakara Translation Group (Translator)
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Shantideva’s work is required reading for an understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, and the clarity and crispness of this new translation make it an accessible way into the world.”—Publishers Weekly
"If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it."— H. H. the Dalai Lama
From the Back Cover
One of the great classics of Mahayana Buddhism," The Way of the Bodhisattva ("Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment, and to generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas-those beings who renounce the peace of an individual salvation and vow to work for the deliverance of all beings, and to attain enlightenment for their sake. The text is beloved by Buddhists of all traditions.
Originally written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation in the eighth century. The fact that it has been expounded, studied, and practiced in Tibet in an unbroken tradition lends the Tibetan version of the "Bodhicharyavatara a particular authority. The present version has therefore been translated from the Tibetan, following a commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden, renowned for its thoroughness, clarity, and accessibility.
About the Author
Shantideva was a Buddhist scholar and a member of the monastic university of Nalanda, which was one of the most celebrated centers of learning in ancient India. He is said to have been a highly unusual and independent person, impervious to social and ecclesiastical pressures, and able to pursue his insights irrespective of public opinion. The Padmakara Translation Group, based in France, has a distinguished reputation for all its translations of Tibetan texts and teachings. Its work has been published in several languages and is renowned for its clear and accurate literary style.
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Product details
Item Weight : 12 ounces
Paperback : 256 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1590303887
Dimensions : 5.96 x 0.59 x 8.96 inches
Publisher : Shambhala; Revised edition (September 12, 2006)
Language: : English
Best Sellers Rank: #25,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#5,734 in Religion & Spirituality (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars 293 ratings
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dalai lama way of the bodhisattva manjushri speech must read nectar of manjushri kunzang pelden pema chodron translation group bodhisattva path padmakara translation audio cd as well exchanging self eighth century time to lose equalizing self every day highly recommend feel like practice and study something written
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Tyler Re Richlie
5.0 out of 5 stars What do you think it means to live selflessly?
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2017
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Shantideva is a man who appears to have acquired alien like intelligence when it comes to living a selfless life. Consider this quote from his chapter on patience: "That the Buddha's heart might rejoice, henceforth I shall be the master of myself, the servant of the world. I shall not seek revenge though the crowds stomp on my head or kill me. Let the guardians of the world rejoice." I am pretty confident I will never meet someone this ethically committed to being patient--wish I had a time machine to talk with Shantideva for a day and ask him where exactly his insights came from (each verse in that book reads like a profound insight). Perhaps all his thoughts just assembled in his mind as he delivered his famous discourse to a crowd who was skeptical of his moral integrity at Nalanda. They thought he just walked around the university not caring about anything but rest and food. There are so many poetic, inspiring and beautiful verses throughout this book--however, I discourage you to take every verse literally unless you really don't mind being trampled or killed by crowds without seeking revenge. Nevertheless, a ton can be learned from this book just by leaning in the direction of the ethical path he has written. Consider another favorite verse I have from him: "There is nothing that does not grow light through habit and familiarity. Working with small trials, I train myself to handle great adversity."
23 people found this helpful
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Margaret C. Turnbull
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2017
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Beautiful -- an explanation of the way of the peaceful warrior. Readers might like to know that Shambhala publications has also posted a 5 session (free) video course about this book on Vimeo, with the primary translator as lecturer. Somehow I accidentally found this, and what a treasure. We really are incredibly lucky to have these materials available to us. A heartfelt thanks to those who worked so hard on this translation.
17 people found this helpful
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Cindy Brady
5.0 out of 5 stars We are using this book and Pema Chodron's book 'No ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2017
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We are using this book and Pema Chodron's book 'No Time to Lose' in preparation to taking the Bodhisattva vows this spring with Mindfulness Meditation Centers. I am very grateful to have Pema's book to help with the understanding of Shantideva's prose. If you only want to purchase one book...purchase Pema's book. All of the prose verses are in her book also. As always, she points the way when there is confusion. Shantideva was a genius in his own right as well as being a true Bodhisattva.
20 people found this helpful
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Ecclesiastes II
5.0 out of 5 stars A Treatise of Water
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019
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Texts
such
as these
are read, pondered, perused,
and deeply
meditated
repeatedly...
In much the same way
as cycling
waters
ever flow
through many
Systems of Rivers
involving ebbs and tides...
changing definitions
within
interpreted words...
Yet...
at the end of days
and nights...
and during times
and seasons
between...
as in all Travels...
to Ocean...
Body still needs
to be
repetitiously
washed...
with continuing
cleansings
of Mind.
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8 people found this helpful
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worsthorse
5.0 out of 5 stars collect the whole set
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2014
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If you decide to study Shantideva's Bodhicharyavatara, you soon discover that there are a number of translations from which to choose. And you will probably find that you need to own more than one of them because there continues to be a good deal of discussion about which of the various versions of the text is closest to the original. I like this version as much as Alan Wallace's heavily annotated translation and I think both are essential if you are studying the text with a commentary.
If I had to choose, I would take this version because it was translated (a) in parallel with Kunzang Pelden's beautiful commentary on the text, (b) the translation was done within the context of a traditional teacher-student relationship, and (c) the introduction gives a great overview of the translation history and textual challenges of the text.
There a number of good commentaries on the text but in the Nyingma tradition, the one to read is definitely The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech by Kunzang Pelden.
35 people found this helpful
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Shiva Jyoti
5.0 out of 5 stars this is a great book to start with
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2017
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If one is unfamiliar with Buddhism, this is a great book to start with. This revised edition contains updated language for the modern reader and sets forth the 'nuts and bolts' of one of the key elements of Buddhist practice - Bodhichitta. The 'what' and 'why' of cultivating this, then how one can nurture and sustain this in one's everyday life and relationships is well elaborated in clear language. The book gives relevant examples for context and practical steps, so that one can go beyond mere philosophical abstraction. If one is already familiar with Buddhism, the read is very suitable for ongoing introspection, mindfulness and nurturing wisdom at increasing levels of depth.
5 people found this helpful
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The Peripatetic Reader (James Kalomiris)
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Translation, Enlightening Introduction
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2017
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This text is one of the great classics in Buddhist literature. The scripture literally shines like the mid-day Sun.
The Dalai Lama provides an introduction. His explanation is as enlightening as the main text.
Incomparable!
6 people found this helpful
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M Sloan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read! The translators of Shantideva's text give the ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2016
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Excellent read! The translators of Shantideva's text give the reader a history of this text and discuss both the challenges and reasoning for the way they have created this translation into English. Also, there are commentaries on the text in the chapters following the text. This a very thorough and thoughtful look into Shantideva's "The Way of the Bodhisattva". I am enjoying it immensely and highly recommend it.
4 people found this helpful
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Matt Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars My Favourite Version (just)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2010
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H. H. the Dalai Lama has said of this work, a classic of Indo-Tidetan buddhism, "If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text [The Way of the Bodhisattva] that I possess it."
There are a number of excellent translations of this work available but to my mind this one, translated from the Tibetan, just has the edge. Not only do I find it a most readable translation but the work also contains a fine introduction and several helpful appendices.
Other fine versions of this work are The Bodhicaryavatara (Oxford World's Classics) translated by Andrew Skilton and Kate Crosby and A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life translated by V A Wallace and B Allan Wallace. Both of these works are translated from the Sanskrit with the second of the two including a comparison with the Tibetan. The Skilton/Crosby version also has a fine general introduction by Paul Williams and helpful chapter introductions. I recommend both these versions too.
This version (the Padmakara Translation Group version), is also available in audio book form ( The Way of the Bodhisattva ). There is also a translation of a commentary on this work by Kunzang Pelden The Nectar of Manjushri's Speech: A Detailed Commentary on Shantideva's "Way of the Bodhisattva" (whose commentary is composed largely of teachings by the great Patrul Rinpoche). The translation of this commentary is by the same group who translated 'The Way of the Bodhisattva' so meshes best with this translation.
There is also a translation of Shantideva's only other extant work, the Siksasamuccaya (translated as The Training Anthology of Santideva: A Translation of the Siksa-samuccaya ), in which Shantideva collects, and comments upon, a broad range of extracts from the Sutras.
I highly recommend all the works in this review.
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21 people found this helpful
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Hannah1
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and inspiring.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2013
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I love this translation of the Bodhicharyavatara, and have treasured my paper copy for some years. I have been waiting and hoping that it would eventually be released on Kindle, so have now bought that as well. I have two other translations, but neither of them has the poetical quality of this one, and I find the beauty of the language helps to convey the message so much better than the more prosaic translations. The introduction, appendices and notes are also most helpful. I love it!
5 people found this helpful
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Shirley M.
5.0 out of 5 stars The heart of buddhism
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 10, 2017
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The heart of buddhism, with "no holds barred" so be prepared for some gore in parts.
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jimmy
5.0 out of 5 stars Really good read on how to conduct yourself in life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2015
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Really good read on how to conduct yourself in life, even if the way is not so easy to follow!
One person found this helpful
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S. L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book in all respects
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2015
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Beautiful translation, very easy to understand and read. This version is recommended by Ringu Tulku for the first part of the online course in which he teaches Shantideva's verses. Absolutely marvellous, as relevant today - if not moreso, than in the 8th century when it was first laid to text.
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====
The Way of the Bodhisattva
by Śāntideva, Padmakara Translation Group (Translator),
Dalai Lama XIV (Foreword by)
4.21 · Rating details · 6,456 ratings · 154 reviews
One of the great classics of Mahayana Buddhism, The Way of the Bodhisattva ( Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment, and to generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas--those beings who renounce the peace of an individual salvation and vow to work for the deliverance of all beings, and to attain enlightenment for their sake. The text is beloved by Buddhists of all traditions.
Originally written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation in the eighth century. The fact that it has been expounded, studied, and practiced in Tibet in an unbroken tradition lends the Tibetan version of the Bodhicharyavatara a particular authority. The present version has therefore been translated from the Tibetan, following a commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden, renowned for its thoroughness, clarity, and accessibility. (less)
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Paperback, 224 pages
Published February 4th 1997 by Shambhala (first published 700)
Original Titleबोधिसत्त्वचर्यावतार [Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra]
ISBN1590300572 (ISBN13: 9781590300572)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life
The Way of the Bodhisattva: Revised Edition
The Bodhicaryāvatāra
The Way of the Bodhisattva
Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: A Buddhist Poem for Today
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Average rating4.21 · Rating details · 6,456 ratings · 154 reviews
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Stephanie
Jun 29, 2008Stephanie rated it it was amazing
This is one that never goes on the "already read it" shelf. When I finish, I just start over again. One of these days it'll sink in...
flag46 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Justin Evans
Apr 30, 2016Justin Evans rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: history-etc, philosophy
A great collection of aphorism, but also a sophisticated philosophical consideration of two major problems for salvific religions: if I'm concerned with my own salvation, should I care about other people, and why? The obvious answer, of course, is that your treatment of other people is intimately related to your own salvation, but that's much harder to justify than you might think. Santideva was a monk, writing to other monks, and prone to answering questions like how will all this meditation really help other people though? by saying things like "The perfection is the mental attitude itself." Because you kind of have to say that if you're going to defend withdrawal from the world, and you kind of have to withdraw from the world if you're going to live a life of purity, which is the only way to save yourself... right?
Well, what follows the above quote (5.10) is a pretty good try to get out of that logic.
The other problem concerns the value we place of this world. In Santideva's understanding of Buddhist cosmology, nothing exists, everything is illusion, and this causes some pretty obvious problems: why should I bother trying to avoid rebirth, if it's all just illusion anyway? Isn't the process of trying to avoid rebirth just as illusory as the pleasure we take from a nice meal? Book 9 tries to answer such questions, not very well in my eyes, but with a great deal of thought. And this is, again, applicable to all salvific religions: how do you balance the desire for a better state of existence with the needs of the present state? This is connected to the first problem, of course.
The Oxford World's Classics translation is a good one, scholarly but not obtrusive. The notes are helpful, while, of course, avoiding much discussion of the tremendous cosmology needed to justify the idea of rebirth. There's a lot of suffering and hell in this book, and the editors take the easy "oh, it's just in your mind" way out, which means they don't have to tell us anything about the various levels of hell and so on. That's okay, you can't annotate everything. I just want to know more about the levels. (less)
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Michael
Nov 26, 2013Michael rated it it was amazing
Shelves: translation, aa-asialit, all-five-star, aa-indialit, philosophy-indic, philosophy, nonfiction, poetry, aaa-top-translation, buddhism-etc
010420: can this actually be seven years since read? apparently so. and i remember it well. the only difference is that by now i have read some other indic philosophy, advaita-vedanta and jaina, some 'primary texts', some sutras, some work as 'the fundamental wisdom of the middle way' https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... but my philosophical stance has not altered. as inspiring and fascinating as buddhism is, i still do not identify with it as religion, but learn from it as philosophy...
311213 first review: i do not myself identify as Buddhist, though i have read many secondary books on the 'Way', fewer books on the historical Buddha, fewer yet actual primary works of Buddhism. here i am mostly commenting on the preface, introduction, translators introduction. i am so very glad there are translators, humble, self conscious, aware of limitations and philosophical and textual complexity...
this is beautifully rendered into English. i will read this, think of this, it continues as background for religion, science, and philosophy, background ethical if not entirely ontological ground, of which other elements of thought emerge, of which itself insists on its own values. as sartrean existentialism persists in all readings of phenomenology for me, as read deeply first, so Buddhism is also first read and thought of. i live in a nominally Christian society yes, and perhaps there are equally thoughtful philosophical or theological texts in Christianity- but i am given to understand it is not possible to 'be' Christian if you do not believe in the divinity of Jesus, or Muslim if you do not think of Mohammed as the Prophet, or Jewish if you do not believe in a special relationship with God. i am not religious in any way. in philosophy i do 'believe', i do read, i do study, i do value, and think this is my best way to be human...
month later...
i have now read the text. often people will claim that, though not themselves in organized church or religious institution, they think of themselves, and think by, religious or better- 'spiritual' way. for some people this leads to alternate forms of practice, to ways of religion not common or to them 'used up' like words or phrases unmoored, meaningless, cliche- in religious ways eg. 'new age' or other new interpretations of ancient ways, particularly if it is unfamiliar or exotic. i have doubted whether my attitude could be similarly reduced to this sincere appropriation. reading this text, reading concurrently certain philosophy texts, even when i cannot claim to fully understand, intuitively and thus truthfully i must say that it is not any specific sacred text or texts or elaborations of familiar or exotic religions, but the very way of thinking, the tendency to reifying spiritual assertions, is not my way of being in the world. i do not think therefore i am less moral, less ethical, less open, to appreciating the world or aspects of it beyond my immediate or eventual sense. i do not decline to embrace merely a church, an institution, of any religion- i do not embrace any religious way of thinking. the only faith i proclaim is something of a metaphysical way of thinking, what merleau-ponty calls 'perceptual faith', of philosophy. and i am comfortable to be still working out what that means...
i had on here a few religious texts of Hawai'ian mythic intent, written by the descendant of some men considered kahunas- something like priests. i am only half-Hawai'ian, i am not local born and raised, i lived there one highschool year but i grew up mostly in Canada. i have always had already the good fortune to be atheist. i tried to read these books, then wondered, if this was not my heritage, would i keep reading. i checked GR. decided to stop... (less)
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Peter
Jan 31, 2012Peter rated it it was amazing
I just finished this, and all I can say is 'Wow.' This work by Shantideva is a spiritual tour-de-force.
The introduction is indispensable, by the way. You really must read it if you want to understand the larger points of the text.
Aside from a good deal of inspiration and warning of sufferings to come, there are some brilliant arguments in this book. In one passage, for example, Shantideva demonstrates why loving our enemies is the only logical thing to do:
If something does not come to be when something else is absent,
And does arise, that factor being present,
That factor is indeed its cause.
How can it, then, be said to hinder it! (stanza 104)
[...]
So, like a treasure found at home,
That I have gained without fatigue,
My enemies are helpers in my Bodhisattva work
And therefore they should be a joy to me. (stanza 107)
Since I have grown in patience
Thanks to them,
To them its first fruits I should give,
For of my patience they have been the cause. (stanza 108)
But why should our enemies be loved and thanked, when they intended only malice towards us and did not mean to stimulate our patience? Shantideva answers this too!
The second-to-last chapter, titled "Wisdom," is by far the most philosophically rich, and will be very challenging for those not familiar with the concept of 'emptiness' in Mahayana Buddhism. I personally need to study this more and then return to reread it.
This book may seem to be simple poetry, but it contains some profound and subtle arguments that require close attention to detail to follow. I give it five stars because it is spectacular, but I would not recommend it to someone seeking a general introduction to Buddhism. This is deep water.
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Josh
Oct 13, 2008Josh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This book made me a Buddhist and a Christian at the same time. What I love about Buddhism is that it doesn't try to pin God down or even call him "God," but they teach ways to experience him/her. Most memorable phrase: "the wandering elephant of the mind"
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Ben
Mar 28, 2014Ben rated it really liked it
Most of the books on Buddhism that I have read so far have come from the Theravada branch. This one is (I think) my first encounter with the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, which is the more popular one today, but a bit more complex and demanding for my taste. It views our positions in the life-death cycle (samsara) as humans as a unique opportunity, but one which is all too often squandered with trivialities and material distractions, focusing on bodily pleasures, confusing form with ideal (Plato, anyone?) and giving in to anger and lust. Yet it argues that through compassion, patience, meditation, practice, etc. that we can lead more fulfilling lives and can essentially be the vanguards for others' salvation from samsara (and through others' liberation, our own).
On the one hand, this work contains many beautiful suggestions that can increase our "compassion," as the Dalai Lama suggests, but it also has some warnings about hell (different though than the Christian conception) and promotes austerity in such a way that -- despite other virtues in the work -- it just leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. But at its best it sends me back to the verse of poets like Whitman (described by Thoreau as being "Wonderfully like the Orientals"), Kerouac and Rimbaud ("I is another") in its calls for compassion and its urgency of placing ourselves in the roles of other, realizing our oneness and that which makes us all co-travelers on this remarkable journey of life. At its core is this beautiful, yet terrifying message that we are, as the Dalai Lama explains in the introduction, "the authors of our own destiny . . . ultimately, perhaps frighteningly, free." And maybe this, too, accounts for some of my reservations with the work, fear of all that this could imply. But whatever my reservations with ranking the work any higher, I can certainly say that it has accelerated the thought-wheels of my mind -- and any work that can do that for us is something remarkable indeed (for me, some of the best works are those that raise more questions than they answer). (less)
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Patrick
Mar 30, 2010Patrick rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I have now been studying Buddhist philosophy as a practicing Buddhist in the Mahayana tradition for many years. The Bodhisattva Way of Life is without any doubt in my mind the most meaningful and useful teaching I have read.
This epic poem by the well loved Buddhist Saint Santideva was of such assistance to my understanding of relevant aspects of other Mahayana commentaries to Buddha's teaching that it takes pride of place in my heart, mind and on my shrine.
Probably the most fascinating, and complex component is the celebrated ninth chapter on wisdom. Admittedly it is daunting in its complexity and it is not easily followed.
Santideva begins this chapter by pointing out that the whole of the Bodhicaryavatara (Path of the Bodhisattva) and all the methods for purifying the mind and generating the virtues of vigilance, patience, courage and so on, are geared toward wisdom. Naturally he defines wisdom as the direct realization of emptiness - or absolute Bodhicitta. Without achieving this first coherently argues, the true practice of compassion is not possible.
From the point of view of metaphysics, I understand that Santideva was an adherent of the Prasangika Madhyamika (the Middle Way Consequence) school of Buddhist philosophy. The basic position of Madhyamika is that reason itself is fundamentally flawed and insufficient to achieve ultimate wisdom. Santideva steps gracefully through the argument that there is a radical lack in the fundamental structure of reason itself, something that prevents us from attaining a true knowledge of the absolute. In the final analysis,he points out poetically, all rational formulations, however ingenious, contain within themselves paradox and inconsistency, the very seeds of their own refutation. Thus he, as a devotee of the Prasangika Madhyamika position does not advance a position of his own, but rather puts forward a body of doctrines which are essentially a system of philosophical criticism.
His technique is to take a dogmatic assertion (the doctrine of the self, the theory of causation, or the existence of a divine creator etc) and to gradually, and incisively, refute it. He does not do this however by putting forward an alternative view, but rather he gradually, and exquisitely, exposes by intricate logical steps the theory's own incoherence. Ultimately the assertion so treated is reduced to an absurdity and is shown to be unequal to its original claim. In the end he reveals all theories - even Buddhist theories - as innately irrational.
In doing this he reduces to total silence the restless questioning intellect. From this position an intellectual stillness arises as conceptual elaboration is annihilated. It is by reaching this position, he asserts, that is is possible for the insight which lies beyond theory to arise. In this way he prepares us for the experience of shunyata (emptiness) itself.
The most remarkable feature of the ninth chapter, I think, is that it shows that the wisdom of emptiness is not merely relevant to Bodhisattva training, it is indispensable. Indeed Santideva demonstrates that far from being a matter of rarefied metaphysics or academic discussion, separated by monastery walls from the concerns of practical existence, the Madhyamika view is fundamentally a vision and a way of life. It is the ultimate heart and soul of the Buddha's teaching. In the twenty or so stanzas at the end of the ninth chapter Santideve shows precisely how the absence of this profound wisdom lies at the root of samsara and the sorrows of the world. Poignantly he concludes his message with these verses of great beauty and pathos:
"When shall I be able to allay and quench
The dreadful heat of suffering's blazing fires,
With plenteous rains of my own bliss
That pour torrential from clouds of merit?
My wealth of merit gathered in,
With reverence but without conceptual aim,
When shall I reveal this truth of emptiness
To those who go to ruin through belief in substance. (less)
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Vaishali
Jan 15, 2016Vaishali rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: indian-authors, self-improvement, medieval-nonfiction
Clear, beautifully-translated directions on self-control.
Quotes :
.....................................................
"For those who have no introspection - though they hear the teachings, ponder them, or meditate - like water seeping from a leaking jar their learning will not settle in their memories."
"It is taught that rules of discipline may be relaxed in times of generosity."
"Work calmly for the happiness of others."
"Do not inconsiderately move chairs and furniture so noisily around. Likewise do not open doors with violence. Take pleasure in the practice of humility."
"Herons, cats, and burglars achieve what they intend by going silently unobserved. Such is the constant practice of a sage."
"Strive always to learn from everyone."
"The body used to practice sacred teachings should not be harmed in meaningless pursuits."
"Do not teach the dharma to the disrespectful."
"To those who are on the lower paths, do not explain the vast and deep."
"But all of this must be acted out in truth, for what is to be gained by mouthing syllables? What invalid was helped by merely reading the doctor’s treatises?"
"All the good works gathered in a thousand ages, such as the deeds of generosity and offerings to the blissful ones: a single flash of anger shatters them."
"No evil is there similar to anger, no austerity to be compared with patience."
"My anger finds its fuel. From this it grows and beats me down. Therefore I will utterly destroy this… my enemy, my foe who has no other purpose but to hurt and injure me."
"Come what may, I will never upset my cheerful happiness of mind. Dejection never brings me what I want."
"What is the use of being glum?"
"There is nothing that does not grow light through habit and familiarity."
"When sorrows fall upon the wise, their minds should be serene and undisturbed."
"There is no reason for our rage. It is like resenting fire for being hot."
"They, their weapons… I, my body brandished. Who then is more worthy of my rage?"
"We, who are like children, shrink from pain but love its causes. So why should others be the object of our rage?"
"How else can I expect to repay God’s goodness except by working to make living beings happy?"
"I shall be master of myself, and servant of the world."
. (less)
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Eric Rupert
Jul 21, 2012Eric Rupert rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: philosophy
I won't ever become a bodhisattva, but I can still hold myself to a higher standard. While there are good ideas present in the poetry of this rather personal buddhist action plan, Shantideva consistently speaks from a position of superiority rather than authority. Many of the qualities he admires cannot be achieved by the "common run of people" but only by those with "yogic insight." I disagree and am disappointed with the exclusive tone. Ironically, the best points he makes are about equality and empathy. (less)
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Bradley
Sep 30, 2012Bradley rated it it was amazing
Shelves: grown-up-books
Actually, infinite stars. Goodreads only shows five.
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Sam
Nov 25, 2010Sam rated it it was amazing
Shelves: poetry, philosophy-religion-etc
A wonderful poem about cultivating bodhicitta. Shantideva is revered in certain parts of the Mahayana and Vajrayana tradition, and it's no small wonder. To a casual reader, this will probably seem like a nice book of beatitudes intermixed with warnings about the torments of "hell" ending in a confusing chapter called Wisdom, but it's much more than that. There's a reason that the Dalai Lama and masters like Patrul teach and taught this as often as possible. More than any other single work I've read, this shastra shows the two key components of bodhicitta as profound compassion and perfect wisdom (prajnaparamita as relating to shunyata or emptiness). Compared to the rest of the poem, the section on wisdom is exponentially more dense and complex, but anyone reading it should be aware that it's a masterful condensation of Prasangika Madhyamika in under 200 stanzas, which is and was unprecedented. Cultivating bodhicitta is a lifetime-long pursuit (if not longer), and I know without a doubt that I'll be returning to this book repeatedly for guidance in the simultaneous cultivation of compassion and wisdom. (less)
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Jeremy
Jun 09, 2017Jeremy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: library
Bodhi: enlightenment/awakening
Sattva: Buddhist - being/person. Hindu - goodness, positivity, truth, wholesomeness, serenity, wholeness, creativity, constructiveness, balance, confidence, peacefulness, and virtuousness
Chitta: attitude/mind/consciousness
Having encountered the idea of the Bodhisattva in college, I finally got around to reading one of the greatest works on the concept. The current Dalai Lama has said of the Shantideva, “If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it” (30). That’s a pretty strong recommendation, eh?
The chapters of the work are:
1. The Excellence of Bodhichitta
2. Confession
3. Commitment
4. Awareness
5. Vigilance
6. Patience
7. Heroic Perseverance
8. Meditation
9. Wisdom
10. Dedication
In general, chapters 1-3 describe the arising or dawn of Bodhichitta (enlightened or awakened mind or attitude). Chapters 4-6 concern the maintenance of Bodhichitta, chapters 7-9 discuss ways to intensify it (with chapter 9, the “Wisdom” chapter, arguing for the interconnectedness and mystery of all things, including identity). Chapter 10 is a closing dedication.
In college I loved the idea of someone achieving enlightenment but “staying in the trenches” to help others. After reading this, I’m not sure that’s exactly what being a Bodhisattva is about. I think the goal is to develop one’s own virtue and thereby alleviate the suffering of others through the mystery of interconnectedness. It’s very difficult to work toward your own enlightenment and remain humble about your ability to help others, but you must take ego out of the equation. You aren’t helping others because you’re better than them or more “woke,” you’re fundamentally working on yourself and hoping that this allows your presence to heal others. I think it’s something along the lines of a favorite quote of mine by Maya Angelou:
*”I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The keystone verse of the work is:
*All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. (8.129)
There are also teachings on anger and sin. James 1:19-20 (NLT) says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” Shantideva agrees. According to the translators’ introduction, “Aside from a purely external and as it were artificial indignation, put on for educational purposes - which has compassion as its motive and is acted out by one whose mind is under control - anger has absolutely no place in the scheme of spiritual development. It is totally inimical to mental training and will ruin and annihilate in an instant all the progress and merit gained” (13). Romans 6:23 (NLT) says that “the wages of sin is death” and in the movie “The Shack” we are told that sin is its own punishment. Shantideva seems to agree:
“But if, in search of happiness, my works are evil,
Then no matter where I turn my steps,
The knives of misery will cut me down -
The wage and retribution of a sinful life. (7.43)
Potent Quotables:
For all anxiety and fear,
All sufferings in boundless measure,
Their source and wellspring is the mind itself. (5.6)
The hostile multitudes are vast as space -
What chance is there that all should be subdued?
Let but this angry mind be overthrown
And every foe is then and there destroyed. (5.12)
*To cover all the earth with sheets of hide -
Where could such amounts of skin be found?
But simply wrap some leather round your feet,
And it’s as if the whole earth had been covered! (5.13)
We can never take
And turn aside the outer course of things.
But only seize and discipline the mind itself,
And what is there remaining to be curbed? (5.14)
This mind of mine, a wild and rampant elephant,
I’ll tether to that sturdy post: reflection on the Teaching.
And I shall narrowly stand guard
That is might never slip its bonds and flee. (5.40)
And when you yearn for wealth, attention, fame,
A circle of admirers serving you,
And when you look for honors, recognition -
It’s then that like a log you should remain. (5.51)
When useful admonitions come unasked
To those with skill in counseling their fellows,
Let them welcome them with humble gratitude,
And always strive to learn from everyone. (5.74)
When enemies or friends
Are seen to act improperly,
Be calm and call to mind
That everything arises from conditions. (6.33)
If those like wanton children
Are by nature prone to injure others,
What point is there in being angry -
Like resenting fire for its heat? (6.39)
Come what may,
I’ll hold fast to the virtuous path
And foster in the hearts of all
An attitude of mutual love. (6.69)
The satisfaction that is mine
From thinking “I am being praised,”
Is unacceptable to common sense,
And nothing but the silly ways of children.
All enemies are helpers in my bodhisattva work
And therefore they should be a joy to me.
The fruits of patience are for them and me,
For both of us have brought it into being.
And yet to them they must be offered first,
For of my patience they have been the cause. (6.107-108)
*The wise man does not crave,
For from such craving fear and anguish come.
And fix this firmly in your understanding:
All that may be wished for will by nature fade to nothing. (8.19)
They indeed, possessed of many wants,
Will suffer many troubles, all for very little:
Mouthfuls of the hay the oxen get
As recompense for having pulled the cart! (8.80)
*If this “I” is not relinquished wholly,
Sorrow likewise cannot be avoided.
For if he does not keep away from fire,
A man cannot escape from being burned. (8.135)
If objects show that consciousness exists,
What, in turn, upholds the truth of objects?
If both subsist through mutual dependence,
Both thereby will lose their true existence. (9.112)
May every being ailing with disease
Be freed at once from every malady.
May all the sickness that afflicts the living
Be instantly and permanently healed.
May those who go in dread have no more fear.
May captives be unchained and now set free.
And may the weak receive their strength.
May living beings help each other in kindness. (10.21-22)
*And now as long as space endures,
As long as there are beings to be found,
May I continue likewise to remain
To drive away the sorrows of the world. (10.55) (less)
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Mark Mulvey
Aug 25, 2019Mark Mulvey rated it really liked it · review of another edition
“In the same way, since I cannot control external events, I will control my own mind. What concern is it of mine whether other things are controlled?”
“One should be the pupil of everyone all the time.”
