Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Way of the Bodhisattva



The Bodhicharyavatara was composed by the Indian scholar Shantideva, renowned in Tibet as one of the most reliable of teachers.

The principal focus of Mahayana teachings is on cultivating a mind wishing to benefit other sentient beings. With an increase in our own sense of peace and happiness, we will naturally be better able to contribute to the peace and happiness of others. Transforming the mind and cultivating a positive, altruistic and responsible attitude is beneficial right now. Whatever problems and difficulties we may have, we can thereby face them with courage, calmness and high spirits.Therefore, it is also the very root of happiness for many lives to come.

Foreword by HH The 14th Dalai Lama
in The Way of the Bodhisattva


"All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself."

Taken from Chapter 8 Verse 129 in The Way of the Bodhisattva


Other resources:
Bodhisattva Mind: Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering @ Audio Teachings by Pema Chodron at Audible.com
The 37 Bodhisattva Practices

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