Buy used:
$6.83
$3.99 delivery May 20 - 21. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by Friends Library
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Paperback. NOT Ex-library. Good condition. Cover has edgewear and bumping. Clean pages and tight binding. Page edges tanned from sun exposure. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona. Until further notice, USPS Priority Mail only reliable option for Hawaii.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Guide to Bodhisattva's Way of Life Paperback – August 1, 1999

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 85 ratings

Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara 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.

A new and precise verse rendition of one of Mahayana Buddhism's finest poetic treatise concerning the bodhisattva's practice and training. The translation by Stephen Batchelor is based upon a commentary by the 14th century Tibetan saint Thogme Zangpo.
Read more Read less

Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ LTWA; 6th Revised edition (August 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 194 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8185102597
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8185102597
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 85 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
85 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2011
There are a few translations of Shantideva's discourse out there. I got this one because my teacher suggested it as an alternative to another which she was working from. Her purpose was to show how different scholars can offer alternative readings of the text. And that hearing or reading those alternatives can be useful in getting the essence of the teachings. As to the content of the discourse, it seems to make the most sense to me if I take it a little at a time, just two pages a day and let the meaning of those two pages sink in. If you take "Guide..." as a long poem admonishing a group of monks to stick with the precepts of their order, it really doesn't make a lot of a sense to a layperson with no background in Buddhism. On the other hand, if you have been doing a bit of meditation and have been attempting to apply that practice to your daily encounters with people and to your own habits, Shantideva's "Guide.." is a very useful book.
26 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2006
This is a terrific translation of Shantideva's classic poem, but, as a relative newcomer to Buddhist thought, I found it to be quite challenging. It is a text to be studied and savored. Despite its relatively short length, it still took me a couple of weeks to finish since I was constantly taking breaks to digest and interpret what was being said.

I also must admit that, coming from a somewhat materialistic, Western background, it takes a shift in mental gears to focus on the needs of others as a means of gaining happiness.

I'd also like to mention that this book is of a very high quality on the physical plane. The print is elegant. The texture of the paper is pleasing and the artwork is exceptional.
40 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2015
A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Bodhisattvacaryavatara) is a must have for anyone wishing to understand Mahayana buddhism, its truly a gem in the realm of spiritual texts. With this text alone one can find peace and learn how to maintain a level of equanimity during times of suffering and happiness alike. If you are just interested in a book on self help, this book is also great! There is no need to be buddhist to gain a lot of insight into human existence and our shared experience.
5 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2022
Great read
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2020
Clean, well packaged, arrived sooner than expected. Great source.
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2014
A classic Buddhist text bringing Shantideva into full view. Batchelor has made Shantideva's compassion a direct, lineal descendant of Nagarjuna's emptiness (see Verses from the Center by the same translator/author).
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2015
I have known several passages from this book. The whole book is satisfying and Batchelor makes it come alive. Very glad I bought it. Living up to it is a big ambition.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2014
I bought this book thinking it was more like a novel, but its actually "verses" of poems. You can just read one verse a day and contemplate on it as a daily meditation.
One person found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Paola Pérez Bravo
5.0 out of 5 stars Texto budista
Reviewed in Mexico on June 18, 2020
El libro contiene versos sobre la enseñanza budista.
Mr. S. D
5.0 out of 5 stars Read This
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2015
I have the most dreadful family. Unfortunately, there they are. With their petty jealousies, games and ill-thought-through sniping. Luckily I can retire to my little space and read this like a mantra and it prevents me from ever becoming like them or sinking to such a Jeremy Kyle level. This is a useful tool.
8 people found this helpful
Report
Teacher
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book but one needs time and patience to digest ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2015
Fantastic book but one needs time and patience to digest it and practice it. I leave it and then go back to it. It will be with me until I die.
5 people found this helpful
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2014
Anything which encourages a more compassionate way of living and behaving deserves 5*s in my eyes
2 people found this helpful
Report
anon
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2014
Brilliant guide, easy to understand, totally practical, really beautiful teachings. Would highly recommend.
3 people found this helpful
Report