The Way of the Bodhisattva

Description

This timeless text of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism has been widely studied and respected for more than a thousand years in all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is considered one of the great teaching texts of Mahayana Buddhism as well. An exposition of the path of a bodhisattva, a being who puts others before himself, it describes the spiritual path of turning away from selfish concerns and vowing to work for the enlightenment of all beings.

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.

"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