The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) (Paperback)

~ Shantideva (Author), Padmakara Translation Group (Translator)
Key Phrases: meditative concentration, Lord of Death, Unrelenting Pain, Vigilant Introspection

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Shantideva’s work is required reading for an understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, and the clarity and crispness of this new translation make it an accessible way into the world.”—Publishers Weekly

"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

Product Description

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. Included are a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a new translator's preface, a thorough introduction, a note on the translation, and three appendices of commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden.  

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; Revised edition (September 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590303881
• ISBN-13: 978-1590303887
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #150,597 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 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)

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.

6 of 6 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

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Inspiring, August 6, 2008

By	Pine Breeze (Washington, USA) - See all my reviews

Having never read the Bodhicharyavatara before, I cannot be a good judge of the accuracy of this translation. However, I have found it the most beautiful and inspiring Buddhist text I've read to date. Buddhist or not, this book could transform your way of thinking and being for the better.