Course X A Guide to The Bodhisattva's Way of Life Part I

Level 3 of Middle-Way Philosophy (Madhyamika).



This Course is the first in a three part series based upon A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharya Avatara) by Master Shantideva (700 AD), and the commentary Entry Point for Children of the Victorious Buddhas (Gyalse Juk-ngok) by Gyaltsab Je (1364-1432). Master Shantideva's work is considered the best book ever written to learn how to live as a bodhisattva, and this is one of the most famous commentaries ever written; it has been translated into English for the first time for this Course. Topics include: the benefits of being a bodhisattva, the preliminaries you must undertake to become a bodhisattva, how to remove existing obstacles which prevent realization of true bodhichitta, how to collect the causes to develop true bodhichitta, the recollection and watchfulness required to think and act like a bodhisattva, The Guide as a description of the six perfections, the order in which to undertake practice of the six perfections, how to treat your mental afflictions, and an explanation of the perfection of giving and the perfection of an ethical way of life.