A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life: (Bodhicaryavatara) - Softcover

Santideva

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559390611 ISBN 13: 9781559390613

Publisher: Snow Lion Publications, 1997

Synopsis

Composed in the eighth century by the Indian Bodhisattva, Shantideva, A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life is an outstanding presentation of the Six Perfections, by which one may harmonize one's own life with the Bodhisattva ideal. It became an instant classic in the curricula of the Buddhist monastic universities of India, and its renown has grown ever since. There were one hundred commentaries on the Guide in India, eight of which were translated into Tibetan.

About this title

Review:

"Will stand for many years as the standard English translation of this key Tibetan Buddhist text."--Publishers Weekly

"The Wallaces have produced a concise, literal, and elegant translation. The extant Sanskrit edition frequently differs from the one used in Tibet a millennium ago, and the Wallaces have noted these differences in copious footnotes. These features make their translation both highly readable and an excellent source for scholars of the original languages."--Tricycle

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.

B. Alan Wallace has authored, translated, edited, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, science, and culture. With fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, he earned a BA in physics and the philosophy of science and then a PhD in religious studies. After teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies to explore the integration of scientific approaches and contemplative methods.

About this edition

• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1559390611
• ISBN 13: 9781559390613
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152