Foreword

We are happy to be bring out this sixth reprint of this very popular work, “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life”, an English translation of “Bodhisattvacharyavatara” (Tib: Byan-chub sems-pa’I spyod-pa-la’jug-pa). This great work was composed by Shantideva, an eighth century Buddhist master at the monastic university of Nalanda in northern India. Outwardly, Shantideva was a monk strictly observing the code of monastic discipline, secretly he was a realized tantric adept, but most important of all he was Bodhisattva motivated by the awakening mind, the wish to achieve Buddhahood to be able to liberate all sentient being likewise.

Since the first publication of this translation more then ten years ago, Shantideva’s work has become much more widely known, due notably to his Holiness the Dalai Lama’s efforts. He was taught and explained it often, particularly extolling the very practical nature of the advice it contains.

Ably translated into English by Stephen Batchelor in accordance with an oral teaching by Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey on the commentary “The ocean of Good Explanation” by Thogme Zangpo, Shantideva’s “ A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s way of life” will continue to inspire readers with the higher ideals of Bodhisattvas while repeatedly encouraging their practical application in every day life.

Gyatsho Tshering
Director
March 1998