INDIANA BUDDHIST CENTER

Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life

Geshe Jinpa Sonam

2018 -

Taught in Tibetan, translated into English by Dianne McKinnon and Tashi Lhadon

In this series of classes Geshe Jinpa Sonam teaches 'A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life', (Bodhicharyavatara) by Shantideva. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there may not be any text more studied and practiced than A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life.

The author, Shantideva, describes in verse ways to generate and cultivate the mind of enlightenment (Bodhicitta), and inspires us to cultivate the perfections of the Bodhisattva: generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, meditative concentration, and wisdom.

Recommended translations are
'The Way of the Bodhisattva' translated by The Padmakara Translation Group,
'A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life' translated by B. Alan Wallace, and 'Engaging in Bodhisattva Behavior' translated by Dr. Alexander Berzin available on his website at

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