The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara

The Bodhicharyavatara (literally, "An Entry into the Activities of Enlightenment") is one of the masterworks of Buddhist thought. Written in 8th century India, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas, spiritual aspirants who vow to cultivate wisdom to help others. This work is offered here in a highly accessible and poetic translation from the Tibetan.

The Bodhicharyavatara (literally, "An entry into the activities of enlightenment"), is one of the masterworks of Buddhist thought. Written in 8th-century India, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas, those spiritual aspirants who vow to cultivate wisdom and forgo complete enlightenment.

One of the great classics of Mahayana Buddhism, 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. Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas--those beings who renounce the peace of an individual salvation and vow to work for the deliverance of all beings, and to attain enlightenment for their sake. The text is beloved by Buddhists of all traditions. Originally written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation in the eighth century. The fact that it has been expounded, studied, and practiced in Tibet in an unbroken tradition lends the Tibetan version of the Bodhicharyavatara a particular authority. The present version has therefore been translated from the Tibetan, following a commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden, renowned for its thoroughness, clarity, and accessibility.

The Padmakara Translation Group, based in France, has a distinguished reputation for its translations of Tibetan texts and teachings. Its work has been published in several languages and renowned for its clear and accurate literary style.