The Bodhicaryavatara (Oxford World's Classics)

While I have read quite a bit of spiritual books, the concept of a Bohdisattva was of particular interest to me. I purchased this book along with the Vesna & B. Alan Wallace version. I started with the Wallace one but was a bit put off with the way the poem was presented. It was a bit too conversational and not too poetic in the language used (but well done none the less). SO, I put that down and gave this one a try and was pleased with the depth of preface given to the poem. It not only tells you a bit about the author, but more importantly it points out other translations that exist and their differences and contradictions in structure. Another helpful feature for those interested in more than just saying that you have read the Bodhicaryavatara is the section explaining the pronunciations of the special letters used throughout the book. This gave the reader more than just words, it actually helps one to better understand and pronounce the original Sanskrit words. Like any great book, you can't just read it once! When I reached the end of the poem I found the extensive notes that go with each chapter. Although the introduction clearly explains that these notes are there, I was too eager to get on with the show to research it first. Now, I am re-reading the book, or better said, studying the poem with the intention to better understand the Bodhicaryavatara. I recommend this book for anyone who is truly interested in having an in-depth understanding of this part of Mahayana Buddhist poetry. The practice of compassion in todays world is quite challenging, this book lets the reader know that it was just as challenging 13 centuries ago.

Informative and enlightening introductions. Well written and engaging. An excellent book to include in my library of Buddhist wisdom.

As a longtime student of Sanskrit and Tibetan, and having compared at length the eight published English translations with the original Sanskrit, I can say that this one ranks at the top for accuracy and fidelity to the original Sanskrit. To judge a translation as "truly bad" on the basis of its poetic quality, without knowing the language from which it was translated, is unjust to both the translators and to the readers who will read that review. Another review here, besides finding it not as poetic, also described it as not as precise as the Padmakara one. The Padmakara translation is certainly poetic, thanks to the poetic sensibilities of the skilled translator, Wulstan Fletcher. It is also surprisingly precise, given that it is a translation of the Tibetan translation rather than of the Sanskrit original. But one cannot judge precision of translation without reference to the original Sanskrit. Here the Crosby/Skilton translation shines. I, too, may not have liked what I read at first in this translation, but when I checked the Sanskrit, there it was, just as translated. One may judge a translation on how readable it is, or on how accurate it is. The highly acclaimed Tibetan translations of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit always took accuracy over readability, and certainly over poetic quality. The poetic translations may be more inspiring, which is valuable, but if you want to know more accurately what Santideva says in this text, this translation is the one.

One of the few original Buddhist texts. Much more interesting than reading a text book on Buddhism. Beautifully written and thought provoking.

Growing up in the West, I'd been exposed to Buddhism, more or less, through images of monks meditating and statues of Buddha, but I knew almost nothing about Buddhist beliefs. I admit that I was put off by the focus on suffering in the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, but I'm beginning to discover that 'Desire leads to suffering' is not that same as 'don't want anything'. I think the chapters on the Perfection of Vigour and the Perfection of Forbearance are fantastic, and the final prayer in chapter 10 holds a benevolent subtext which I hope can exist in life. The chapter on the Perfection of Understanding is difficult, and was completely unexpected since it read more like a philosophy text than a religious one. That sense of benevolence is present in most of the book, and most of this book's appeal is that it feels less like admonishment for doing wrong which I find in most Western religious texts than advice on how to improve with explanations of how those improvements will benefit the world and yourself. Whether that's true in Buddhist practice, I can't say. My own experience with Western religions tells me that there can be quite a difference between the stated beliefs and actual practice. I notice that many of the other reviews focus on the translation which makes me feel like I'm way behind the curve since this is my first read of this book in any translation. Whether the translation is accurate or not is beyond me. I thought the text was clear, and there's a passion in the writing which was present in almost every word.

This book is about the Buddhist path to enlightenment, but contains many things applicable to improving anyone's life. It deals a lot with human suffering, and the need for people to help remove the suffering of others, as through this one's own life may be improved. Although it is presented from a Buddhist perspective, much of the teaching is a good guide to self development, the principles that it teaches are hard to fault, and it remains centered on these things throughout the book. The commentary deals with the Buddhist philosphies that Santideva uses, and explains the Buddhist principles involved, rather than explaining the teachings. It gets pretty involved, but you can take quite a lot out of it. "When the mental attitude of anger is slain, then slain is every enemy"......

Good

all hail

This is, to my mind, a fine rendering of Shantideva's eighth century classic "The Bodhicaryavatara" (translated from the Sanskrit). In addition to the translation itself, this work includes a useful general introduction by Paul Williams and helpful introductions to each chapter. I also recommend The Way of the Bodhisattva (Shambhala Classics) which is another fine version, this time taken from the Tibetan. This work also includes a fine introduction and several helpful appendices. Also available is A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life , translated by V A Wallace and B Allan Wallace. This edition, also taken from the Sanskrit, includes the Tibetan variations as well.

Best translation and notes for academic purposes. Arguably the most important work for understanding Buddhist ethics!

v. Good