Shantideva

Shantideva (8th century) was the Indian source for the bodhisattva teachings found in all traditions of Tibet, especially regarding the practice of the six paramitas (the six perfections).

Shantideva was born in the eighth century as the son of the king of a land in the Bengal region of East India. When he was about to ascend to the throne, he had a dream of Manjushri, who said, “The throne is not for you.” Heeding Manjushri’s advice, he renounced the throne and retreated to the jungle. There he met and studied with various non-Buddhist gurus, meditated intensely and achieved advanced states of absorbed concentration. But, as was the case with Shakyamuni, he realized that withdrawing into deep states of concentration did not eliminate the roots of suffering. Relying on Manjushri, he eventually had actual visions of this embodiment of the wisdom of all the Buddhas and received teachings from him. Continue reading »

Shantideva: Just as by the fires at the end of time
Great sins are utterly consumed by bodhicitta Thus its benefits are boundless
As the Wise and Loving Lord explained to Sudhana

Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryavatara) by A Commentary of Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note – Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche said it best: “Buddhas are born from Bodhisattvas; Bodhisattvas are born from bodhicitta.” The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life or in Sanskrit, Bodhicaryavatara, is the most celebrated and spectacular exposition on the mighty altruistic intention and conduct of the Bodhisattva.

To embark on the reading, let alone the study of, the Bodhicaryavata takes guts. Its 914 verses challenge every fibre in your body, every corner or your mind and when you complete the book, it leaves you feeling embarrassed at having your innermost thoughts and deeds spread out on a page in front of you. Yet, hope is a little brighter because the possibilities are infinite. Continue reading »

Shantideva: When wisdom has demonstrated the foolishness and self-destructive nature of the mistaken view of an all important and truly existing self, the logical foundation for the practice of compassion becomes clear.

Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara, The Way of the Bodhisattva, Ninth Chapter Analysis By Nick Barr (Spring 2004) Emory-IBD Tibetan Studies Program Dharamsala, India.

Preface
Before beginning, I would like to offer my deepest respect, prayers and thanks to all those who continue to serve as teachers of bodhicitta. This paper would not have been possible without my teachers in Dharamsala, most notably Geshe Dorji Damdul-la or Gen-la, to whom I owe whatever philosophical understanding I have gained over the last six months. It was, in addition, the goal of this project to further my own familiarity with and understanding of the text, rather than to offer any real “commentary”, which would require a lifetime of study.

This paper is meant to be read alongside the Padmakara Translation Group’s version of the ninth chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva, a copy of which I have included. Continue reading »

Shantideva: The Seven Limb Prayer

I take safe direction, till my purified state, from the Buddhas, the Dharma, and the Highest Assembly. By the positive force of my giving and so on, may I actualize Buddhahood to help those who wander. Continue reading »