Bodhicharyavatara

Shantideva, author of the Bodhicharyavatara

Bodhicharyavatara (Tib. chöjuk; wyl. spyod 'jug) Introduction to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Shantideva's classic guide to the mahayana path.

Outline

The text has ten chapters:

1. The Excellence of Bodhichitta
   
2. Confession
   
3. Commitment/Full Acceptance
   
4. Carefulness/Conscientiousness
   
5. Vigilance/Awareness
   
6. Patience
   
7. Diligence
   
8. Meditation
   
9. Wisdom
   
10. Dedication

Structure

Patrul Rinpoche explained the text in relation to the famous prayer:

O precious, sublime bodhicitta:

May it arise in those in whom it has not arisen;

May it never decline where it has arisen;

May it go on increasing, further and further!

• Chapters 1, 2 and 3 are designed to stimulate the dawning of bodhichitta in the mind.
• Chapter 4, 5 and 6 give instructions on how to prevent bodhichitta from being dissipated.
• Chapters 7, 8 and 9 give the means by which bodhichitta may be made to increase further and further.
• And the 10th chapter is a concluding prayer of dedication.

Rongtön Sheja Kunrig says:

In the beginning, the foundation is laid through the generation of the two kinds of bodhichitta. Then the text explains the six paramitas or transcendent perfections, which constitute the training in the bodhichitta in action. Finally, any merit that has been gained is dedicated towards enlightenment, as presented in the tenth chapter.

The Tibetan Translation

The Bodhicharyavatara was first translated by Kawa Paltsek and Sarvajñadeva in the early ninth century. This translation was then revised twice, first by Rinchen Zangpo, Shakya Lodro and Dharmashribhadra in the tenth century, and then by Ngok Loden Sherab and Sumatikirti in the eleventh century.

Translations in European Languages

English

• The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara, translated by the Padmakara Translation Group, Shambhala Publications, 2003, ISBN: 1590300572
  
• A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, translated by Vesna and Alan Wallace, Snow Lion Publications, 1997, ISBN: 1559390611
  
• A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, translated by Stephen Batchelor, LTWA, ISBN: 8185102597
  

French

• La Marche Vers L’Éveil, Éditions Padmakara, 1991/2, ISBN : 2-906949-03-5
  

German

• Ernst Steinkellner: Eintritt in das Leben zur Erleuchtung, München: Eugen Diederichs Verlag 1981

Commentaries

• A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, HH the Dalai Lama, Shambhala, 1994, ISBN: 0877739714

Teachings on the Bodhicharyavatara

• Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Rigpa Centres worldwide, 1997-2001
• Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lerab Ling, 2-17 June 2001 (ninth chapter only)
• Khenpo Sönam Tobden, Pharping, Rigpa Shedra East, 2006-7, see Teachings on 'Nectar of Manjushri's Speech (MP3)'

External Links

• Bodhicharyavatara Series on Lotsawa House
• Khenpo Kunpal's commentary The first five chapters translated by Andreas Kretschmar and available for free download in pdf format