The Way of the Bodhisattva (Shambhala Library) [Hardcover]

Shantideva (Author), Padmakara Translation Group (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Shambhala Library | Publication Date: October 14, 2008

<p class="MsoNormal">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. 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. <p class="MsoNormal">This version is translated from the Tibetan and includes a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a translator’s preface, a thorough introduction, a note on the translation, and three appendices of commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590306147
• ISBN-13: 978-1590306147
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 1.2 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pathway Toward Ethical Commitment, June 3, 2007

By 

Arthur R. Murphy (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

The ultimate review of this book is on the cover: a quote from H. H. the Dalai Lama - "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."

This review, therefore, addresses why this new translation is so valuable.

Part of the answer is the poetic quality of the translation. A useful translation renders the meaning of a linguistic work of art into another language. This translation is a re-creation of poetry in the fullest sense. The majesty of the verse appears to be an example of a well-crafted original in English.

The work would be evocative even without footnotes to give context and perspective.

A sensitive awareness to contextual meaning, however, is the other great strength of this translation. In an extensive and clearly reasoned introduction, the translator (Wulstan Fletcher) discusses the rationale for a process that relied primarily on translation from the Tibetan version of this book, despite the existence the original Sanskrit by Shatideva. Why a translation of a translation, when the original is extant? The translator's answer is the invaluable contextual insight of the unbroken oral tradition of this work within Tibet. And, he has retained the option to consult the Sanskrit original for patterns of style and to resolve any ambiguity in the Tibetan version.

The biography of Shantideva as an appendix also helps to enrich the understanding of this work in our "modern" age. In a time of frantic life-styles and limited attention to compassion as a core value, a poetic reminder of an attitude of service can enrich our lives. This translation of The Way of the Bodhisattva is an evocative path to such an understanding: our true value as ethically motivated interdependent human beings.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Guide to leading a Spiritual Life, July 3, 2007

By 

Kanti (Heartland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

Shantideva provides here the perfect foundation for all Bodhisattvas in training..any individual who wants to integrate spirtual wisdom into all aspects of life.

This text is the kind of inspired writing that one benefits in reading and re-reading over the course of one's life in order to glean more insight into the means by which one may live according to the Way of the Dharma and attain liberation for the benefit of others.

I have been to teachings led by HH Dalai Lama and two of the chapters in this book were used as a means to receive formal Buddhist initiation.
In addition, His Holiness reads from this text daily and considers His
"Mission Statement" to be this verse from Shantideva's text: "For as long as space endures and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world."

Truly powerful in its simplicity. This text is a must for anyone who truly aspires to be a practicing Buddhist or for any spiritual warrior from any tradition.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual poetry/wisdom at its best!, January 20, 2008

By 

S. Knipp (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

In addition to the translated text of Shantideva's brilliant 10 chapter treatise on the what, why and how to live the life of a Bodhisattva, the 28-page introduction is one of the most concise and engaging explanations of what the practice and study of Buddhism entails--with all it's challenges and rewards--using the teaching we are about to read as its reference point.

This text has many versions of translations, and I found this one by the Padmakara Translation Group to be very good at keeping the meter of Shantideva's beautiful poetic delivery--reportedly given spontaneously in one teaching session--without losing the profound meaning of his message.

For those looking for something written in the style of the Book of Psalms, but with a purely Buddhist point of view, this is it.