The Way of the Bodhisattva, Shantideva
The Way of the Bodhisattva, Shantideva
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The Way of the Bodhisattva

Author: Shantideva, Padmakara Translation Group

Series: Shambhala

Narrator: Wulstan Fletcher

Unabridged: 3 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/03/2018

Synopsis

Treasured by Buddhists of all traditions, 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. This text has been studied, practiced, and expounded upon in an unbroken tradition for centuries, first in India, and later in Tibet. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the Bodhisattvas--those who renounce the peace of individual enlightenment and vow to work for the liberation of all beings and to attain buddhahood for their sake.

This version, translated from the Tibetan, is a revision by the translators of the 1997 edition. 

Cover art: Guanyin of the Southern Sea, Chinese, Liao (907-1125) or Jin Dynasty (1115-1234),  wood with polychrome, 95 by 65 inches, courtesy of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 34-10. Photo: Nelson-Atkins Media Services/Jamison Miller.

About The Author

SHANTIDEVA was a scholar in the eighth century from the monastic university Nalanda, one of the most celebrated centers of learning in ancient India. According to legend, Shantideva was greatly inspired by the celestial bodhisattva Manjushri, from whom he secretly received teachings and great insights. Yet as far as the other monks could tell, there was nothing special about Shantideva. In fact, he seemed to do nothing but eat and sleep. In an attempt to embarrass him, the monks forced Shantideva's hand by convincing him to publicly expound on the scriptures. To the amazement of all in attendance that day, Shantideva delivered the original and moving verses of the Bodhicharyavatara. When he reached verse thirty-four of the ninth chapter, he began to rise into the sky, until he at last disappeared. Following this, Shantideva became a great teacher.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Stephanie on October 11, 2016

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.........more

Goodreads review by Justin on April 30, 2016

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 re......more

Goodreads review by Peter on January 31, 2012

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 com......more

Goodreads review by Josh on October 28, 2008

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"......more

Goodreads review by Patrick on December 22, 2019

I discovered this book the best way: browsing idly in a used bookshop. I opened it at random and read, “The world is a confusion of insane people striving to delude themselves.” That stark phrase, it seemed to me, got right to the heart of the difference between the seeker and the non-seeker, or rat......more

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