The Way of the Bodhisattva

By: Shantideva, Padmakara Translation Group - translator

Narrated by: Wulstan Fletcher

Treasured by Buddhists of all traditions, The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment, and to generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. This text has been studied, practiced, and expounded upon in an unbroken tradition for centuries, first in India, and later in Tibet. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the Bodhisattvas--those who renounce the peace of individual enlightenment and vow to work for the liberation of all beings and to attain buddhahood for their sake.

This version, translated from the Tibetan, is a revision by the translators of the 1997 edition.

Cover art: Guanyin of the Southern Sea, Chinese, Liao (907-1125) or Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), wood with polychrome, 95 by 65 inches, courtesy of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 34-10. Photo: Nelson-Atkins Media Services/Jamison Miller.

Narration doesn’t fit

Although the narrator has a lovely voice, it doesn’t fit the content. His voice sounds more suited to English literature rather than this scholarly text on Buddhism. It would be easier to follow if read slower in a lower pitch. The narration distracts from the content.

A Pleasant Dharma Deep Dive

I am a Buddha nerd so keep that in mind. I am fascinated by the theory of Buddhism and Eastern philosophy in general so... If that sounds like you then I highly recommend this well narrated journey through Buddhist principals. For sure I do not now "get it" from one listen but I do find the talks easy to follow and also food for the spirit so this will be something I hang on to and refer back to always.

I am grateful to be studying this

May you too find peace and wisdom in this great work. Nothing makes more sense during this great world lockdown of crimes against humanity. May we all be boddhisatvas.

Mahayana buddhism gem.

This depiction of reality personas, archetypes and stories speaks to something deep in me, I understand sort of more complexly in opposite to science based categorical depiction of the world (which doesnt mean any of it is better, maybe after thousands of years we will understand this science language in the same way as those old naratives). I can only imagine that in the original text those verses are much more beautiful.

A must read!!

May all humans read and study this enlightening text. In this time period we need now more than ever

The qualifying of the audio is not very good

great book. but the qualifying of the audio is not good. this was not recorder in a studio but in someone bedroom or studio. Other than that great listen!

Combine with the Nectar of Manjushri Speech commentary

This book is a daily practitioner’s guide. I have listened to it and read it numerous times. Especially if life called for advice.

I did find the commentary on it - Kunzang Pelden’ Nectar of Manjushri Speech an eye opener. Real help to understand Shantideva’s verses.

Thank you for publishing it on Audible!

more Padmakara Translation Group books on Audible!

Probably one of the greatest books on Audible

More excellent translations of Buddhist classics like this please

"Words of My Perfect Teacher" would be my recommendation!!

Real talk! the source for many inspirations

It's often difficult for me to study source material of the deep Buddhist teachings. However, I found Shantideva to be an exception. Though the material is deep, the logic and clarity is concise and thus accessible.

HH Dalai Lama mentioned this text and especially Chapter 8. It's certainly a recommendation of the highest caliber.

Spectacular!

The definitive treatise on how and why raising ones’ level of ‘loving kindness’ is so beneficial for all beings. Some of the terms/words used in this translation have fallen out of vogue (I am grateful for a thorough and lengthy education in the English language and diction) so some may benefit from having a dictionary or thesaurus at hand.
Choose times when you will be least distracted and the import of this work will land firmly.