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In the whole Tibetan Buddhist tradition there is no single treatise more deeply revered or widely practiced than A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Composed in the eighth century by the Indian Bodhisattva Shantideva, it became an instant classic in the curricula of the Buddhist monastic universities of India, and its renown has grown ever since.
Shantideva's presentation of the methods to harmonize one's own way of life with the Bodhisattva's ideal begins with a praise of the spirit of awakening, the Bodhisattva's altruistic aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all beings. In the chapters that follow, Shantideva inspires the reader to cultivate each of the six perfections that provide the basis for the Bodhisattva way of life- generosity, ethics, patience, zeal, meditative concentration and wisdom.
A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of life, Shantideva, Vesna & Alan Wallace (Translators) Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, $16.95
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.
B. Alan Wallace has authored, translated, edited, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, science, and culture. With fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, he earned a BA in physics and the philosophy of science and then a PhD in religious studies. After teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies to explore the integration of scientific approaches and contemplative methods.
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Contents: A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life (Bodhicaryavatara) |
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Preface |
7 |
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Introduction |
11 |
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Chapter I: The Benefit of the Spirit of Awakening |
17 |
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Chapter II: The Confession of Sin |
23 |
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Chapter III: Adopting the Spirit of Awakening |
33 |
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Chapter IV: Attending to the Spirit of Awakening |
39 |
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Chapter V: Guarding Introspection |
47 |
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Chapter VI: The Perfection of Patience |
61 |
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Chapter VII: The Perfection of Zeal |
77 |
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Chapter VIII: The Perfection of Meditation |
89 |
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Chapter IX: The Perfection of Wisdom |
115 |
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Chapter X: Dedication |
137 |
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Bibliography |
145 |
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