Readings of Santideva's Guide to Bodhisattva Practice

The eighth-century work "Guide to Bodhisattva Practice" by Śāntideva is renowned for its practical instructions and psychological insights into the Mahāyāna path. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the text's philosophical, literary, ritual, and ethical dimensions, with essays by distinguished scholars discussing its historical significance, impact on Buddhism in Tibet, and contemporary relevance for philosophy and psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The eighth-century work of Śāntideva, known as the Guide to Bodhisattva Practice (Bodhicaryāvatāra), is renowned for its highly practical instructions and its psychologically rich expressions of the Mahāyāna path. It is a powerful and concise poem that seamlessly weaves together diverse Buddhist traditions of moral transformation, meditative cultivation, and philosophical insight. Since its composition, this text has been continuously utilized as a ritual, contemplative, and philosophical manual, making it one of the essential texts in the Buddhist ethical and philosophical tradition.

This book serves as a companion to this Indian Buddhist classic. The fifteen essays contained herein shed light on the various philosophical, literary, ritual, and ethical dimensions of the Guide. Distinguished scholars explore the historical significance of the text as an innovative piece of Indian literature, highlight its crucial role in shaping Buddhism in Tibet, and emphasize its contemporary relevance for philosophy and psychology. Whether you are an experienced student of Buddhist literature or a newcomer to this field, readers will discover compelling new approaches to this resonant masterpiece.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231192675