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At the outset of this treatise, Santideva denies any originality to his work, and indeed its contents conform closely to the teachings of many of the Mahayana sutras. However, the poignancy and poetic beauty of his work belie his disavowal of any ability in composition. There is no question that the Bodhicaryavatara stands as one of the great literary and religious classics of the entire Buddhist tradition. This volume is highly recommended.
This translation of the Bodhicaryavatara certainly consitutes the highest quality English translation. The coupling of the Sanskrit and the Tibetan versions provides a definitive accuracy in the meaning of the text. The Sanskrit version alone is cryptic from time to time so that relying on the Tibetan version is very helpful, through its closeness to the western way of expressing things.
Although i feel this translation is the best English one, this version should not be used as a first version of the Bodhicaryavatara by newcomers. The translation from Crosby and Skilton is better suited for people not used to the context and the meaning of this text...thanks to its many excellent comments.
Probably the most inspirational book I have ever read. If you have made your way through any of the Dalai Lama's books, especially "Transforming the Mind," you will notice that he quotes Shantideva constantly. It's great to be able to go back and refer to this book for further insight.
Compassion is a path that takes constant work in order to walk steadily upon it. Even then, it's a pretty rough road to travel in the beginning. It is my hope that books such as these will open some minds to that path, and also to the plight of the Tibetan people. Wiping this culture from the face of the earth would be a great detriment to all of humanity.
I have no understanding the of Tibetan or Sanskirt languages, so it is good to have Buddhist ideas put into English which is easy to comprehend. The translators have translated the Sanskirt as the main verse, but they have also included translations of the Tibetan verse, in the footnotes when the two read differently. They have also explained various names and terms so that new or non Buddhist will have a better understanding of this SPIRITUAL CLASSIC. I hope that you find this book to be as spiritually uplifting as I have found it to be. May this book encourage all who read it, or hear teachings from it to strive to have the Awakening Mind.
"My original negative review was silenced..."
- Reviewed By Anonymous
My original review stated that this was a dull book. I went on to criticize the Dalai Lama (oh my God! I mean Buddha, he did what?) and after many negative feedbacks (over 100) my review was removed. Odd, I wonder if this is standard Amazon policy to artificially inflate the image of what they sell. Or was it removed due to whining new agers? Either way, allow me to summarize: This book is one of the weaker translations of this work. Now on to some good old unpopular honesty. The Dalai Lama has taken a vow (the bodhisattva vow) to liberate all beings (including all animals) yet he does not seem to see the harm and hypocrisy in eating animal flesh (which obviously supports the killing of the very "beings" he has vowed to "liberate"). Even more absurd is his wearing European leather "dead being flesh" shoes, which is totally unnecessary. One of the main teachings of Buddha was that of impermanence. Meaning all things come to an end. Overcoming attachment is a major focus of APPLIED dharma, yet Tenzin (his real name) is still pushing for Tibet's liberation decades after it was "liberated" by the Chinese. Perhaps his liberation of beings (for food and foot wear) is related to China's liberation of Tibet. After all karma applies to celebrity monks as well. I imagine this will be deleted as soon as possible, which is fine. A much better read is Zen Speaks. But alas Richard Gere does not endorse it. Be brave and question your desire for security and authority. Try to have a serious conversation about life without quoting a celebrity or referring to a book. Aloha.
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"The best translation of the Bodhicaryavatara"
"My original negative review was silenced..."