A New Translation and Contemporary Guide
The modern translation of this essential Mahayana Buddhist text emphasizes both the meaning and musicality of Shantideva's original verses, making its profound insights more accessible to contemporary readers. It serves as a guide to understanding the depths of Buddhist philosophy and practice, inviting exploration of its teachings.
Written in India in the early 8th century, this book is one of the most popular accounts of the Buddhist spiritual path. This edition is a new translation from the original language, with detailed annotations and technical references.
This essential text of Mahayana Buddhism has been written about by many major Buddhist teachers, including the Dalai Lama and Pema Ch dr n. Composed in the eighth century by the Indian sage Shantideva, it is studied today by Buddhists of most schools and is considered a masterwork of world religion. In this edition, the translation has been refined to bring it closer to the original work. Also included is a new translators' preface
Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara (A Guide to Bodhisattva's Way of Life) holds a unique place in Mahayana Buddhism akin to that of the Dhammapada in Hinayana Buddhism and the Bhagavadgita in Hinduism. In combining those rare qualities of scholastic precision, spiritual depth and poetical beauty, its appeal extends to a wide audience of Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Composed in India during the 8th century of the Christian era, it has since been an inspiration to millions of people throughout the world. This present translation by Stephen Batchelor is based upon a 12th century Tibetan commentary as orally explained by Ven. Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey. The ninth chapter on wisdom has been expanded for this edition with relevant commentarial passages.