Customer Reviews

A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life

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I have no understanding the of Tibetan or Sanskirt languages, so it is good to have Buddhist ideas put into English which is easy to comprehend. The translators have translated the Sanskirt as the main verse, but they have also included translations of the Tibetan verse, in the footnotes when the two read differently. They have also explained various names and terms so that new or non Buddhist will have a better understanding of this SPIRITUAL CLASSIC. I hope that you find this book to be as spiritually uplifting as I have found it to be. May this book encourage all who read it, or hear teachings from it to strive to have the Awakening Mind.

This translation of the Bodhicaryavatara certainly consitutes the highest quality English translation. The coupling of the Sanskrit and the Tibetan versions provides a definitive accuracy in the meaning of the text. The Sanskrit version alone is cryptic from time to time so that relying on the Tibetan version is very helpful, through its closeness to the western way of expressing things.

Although i feel this translation is the best English one, this version should not be used as a first version of the Bodhicaryavatara by newcomers. The translation from Crosby and Skilton is better suited for people not used to the context and the meaning of this text...thanks to its many excellent comments.

Probably the most inspirational book I have ever read. If you have made your way through any of the Dalai Lama's books, especially "Transforming the Mind," you will notice that he quotes Shantideva constantly. It's great to be able to go back and refer to this book for further insight.

Compassion is a path that takes constant work in order to walk steadily upon it. Even then, it's a pretty rough road to travel in the beginning. It is my hope that books such as these will open some minds to that path, and also to the plight of the Tibetan people. Wiping this culture from the face of the earth would be a great detriment to all of humanity.

If you like to sit, think, reflect, and learn this is a wonderful book on Buddhist philosophy. It, I found, is not an easy read - but one well worth the mental energy.

I would recommend that if you are new to such philosophies that you attempt Thích Nh't H'nh or Dali Lama literature to develop a clearer background in more laymen's terms before attempting this - but I would not hesitate putting it in the same amazon cart.

Read it little by little and digest the words. I don't think it's a sit down and plough through book, but it could just be one of the most brilliant books you read - if you are interested in such concepts.

At the outset of this treatise, Santideva denies any originality to his work, and indeed its contents conform closely to the teachings of many of the Mahayana sutras. However, the poignancy and poetic beauty of his work belie his disavowal of any ability in composition. There is no question that the Bodhicaryavatara stands as one of the great literary and religious classics of the entire Buddhist tradition.

This beautiful book is fundamental to the practice of Tibetan Buddhism,the seminal text which teaches us how to attain enlightenment not for ourselves, but for all sentient beings so that they may be relieved of all suffering, have happiness and find the great truth of the Path. It's deceptively slim in size,as I am taking a one year course of study on this book with our Dharma Center's Mongolian Monk. It will be a wonderful year!