The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas [Paperback]

Geshe Sonam Rinchen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2001

Conveys the quintessence of the Mahayana path to perfection.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These two volumes present perspectives on the Boddhisattva ideal, the distinguishing characteristic of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the desire for enlightment as an act of altruism toward all beings. A Guide to the Boddhisattva Way of Life is a classic of Tibetan Buddhism, composed in the eighth century by a Buddhist monk. The Wallaces (a professor and a student in religious studies, Stanford Univ.) translated this work with careful attention to Tibetan and Sanskrit versions, which makes their translation unique. The main text has been re-created from the Sanskrit with attention to the Tibetan. Where the nuances in the originals differ significantly, the translation of the Tibetan version is given in the notes. The Thirty Seven Practices of Boddhisattvas is a transcription of an oral teaching by a Buddhist scholar and teacher. The text on which the teaching is given is a set of verses written in the 14th century by a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Like the first title, this work seeks to elucidate the day-to-day practice of the Boddhisattva. The original verses are short and fairly clear, and the commentary by Rinchen makes the meaning and the demanding character of the Boddhisattva ideal realistic for the contemporary reader. The two titles offer insight upon insight as to the way a life should be lead. Rinchen's is perhaps the more accessible to general readers. For the price, any library with an interest in Buddhism would do well to acquire both.?Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English, Tibetan (translation)
Original Language: Tibetan

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (October 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559390689
• ISBN-13: 978-1559390682
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #578,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What makes Tibetan Buddhism distinct?, December 22, 2008

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Joe Niemczura "nursing faculty" (Honolulu Hawaii) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas (Paperback)

This book is an extended commentary on a forty-verse tract published five hundred years ago in Tibetan. It explores the underlying theology of Tibetan Buddhism from an intellectual viewpoint.

Buddhism does not take a single form. We think of Confucianism which has a rich history of aphorisms; or perhaps the "Bon" Buddhism of Japan or other east asian contries which incorporate some elements of zen and particular ethnic traditions. In India and South Asia there are two main branches, Theravadan and Vajrayanic Buddhism. This book covers Vajrayanic Buddhist thought and practices.

It does *not* describe Tantric practices, which is just as well. By that I mean, Tantric Buddhism is trendy nowadays, but is overemphasized in my view. There is a deep tradition of compassion and love in Buddhism, and I think it is well represented here.