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The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics)
 
 
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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
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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  Audio, CD, Audiobook, Unabridged $15.56 $11.53 $12.14

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The Way of the Bodhisattva: (Bodhicaryavatara), Revised Edition (Shambhala Classics) + For the Benefit of All Beings: A Commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva (Shambhala Classics) + A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life
Price For All Three: $29.09

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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.  

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: #69,232 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #3 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Mahayana

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The universal guide to developing ultimate compassion
"The Way of the Bodhisattva" or Bodhicharyavatara by Shantideva is a must read for anyone who wishes to cultivate compassion and equanimity. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Jessica Rice

5.0 out of 5 stars This translation of Shantideva's Buddhist classic reads almost like poetry
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." The 8. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jerome Ryan

5.0 out of 5 stars enlightenment at your finger tips....
anyone who is able to read at any age would be blessed by sacred words of enlightenment
Published 1 month ago by james clare

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way of the Bodhisattva (Book and Audio-CD Set)
Great book and CD if your looking for the translation of how to be a Bodhisattva.
Published 8 months ago by Violet Luciak

5.0 out of 5 stars Available as audio CD as well
The local Center uses this edition. I also like the fact that it's available as an audio CD as well. Read more
Published 9 months ago by A seeker

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising and Directly Personal
I got this for Christmas from my mother-in-law. I dutifully (I thought) read it, and am on my second go-'round now. Penetrating, glorious, full of humor and kindness. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Sumac

5.0 out of 5 stars How to be a Bodhisattva
This masterpiece has moved me deeply and set my feet on the path of a Bodhisattva. Shantideva moves the reader through the stages and provides inspiration to stay on the Path.
Published 13 months ago by C. Bush

3.0 out of 5 stars The "book" of this book/CD combo contains only the "introduction"
If you click on the "Search Inside" on the Amazon website about this book, it shows a book that contains 215 pages of introduction, chapters, appendix, etc. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Tony T

5.0 out of 5 stars This version includes two essential appendices
There are now many translations of Shantideva's classic, which some consider the "bible" of buddhism for its chapters on compassion for fellow human beings. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Patrick Moore LMT BA

4.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual poetry/wisdom at its best!
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... Read more
Published 21 months ago by S. Knipp

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