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|text=Śāntideva's ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' is undoubtedly one of the great classics of Indian Mahāyāna Buddhism. What sets it apart from other highly esteemed exemplars of Buddhist philosophical literature is its pragmatic approach to the bodhisattva path, making it both accessible and relatable to generations upon generations of aspiring practitioners. Written in the first person, Śāntideva states in the opening verses that "I wrote it only to habituate my mind," thus much of the treatise reads as an inner dialogue with the author addressing himself directly with a mixture of encouragement and admonishment- at times courageous and at others self-effacing. Most of all, Śāntideva utilizes reasoned argument as a means to internalize the intricacies of his philosophical studies and the foundations of the bodhisattva way of life. Therefore, his presentation of the path is not merely an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the Mahāyāna philosophical traditions, though that can be found within its pages as well. Rather, the ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' is an invitation to follow Śāntideva's lead and join the ranks of bodhisattvas walking upon this very path. | |text=Śāntideva's ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' is undoubtedly one of the great classics of Indian Mahāyāna Buddhism. What sets it apart from other highly esteemed exemplars of Buddhist philosophical literature is its pragmatic approach to the bodhisattva path, making it both accessible and relatable to generations upon generations of aspiring practitioners. Written in the first person, Śāntideva states in the opening verses that "I wrote it only to habituate my mind," thus much of the treatise reads as an inner dialogue with the author addressing himself directly with a mixture of encouragement and admonishment- at times courageous and at others self-effacing. Most of all, Śāntideva utilizes reasoned argument as a means to internalize the intricacies of his philosophical studies and the foundations of the bodhisattva way of life. Therefore, his presentation of the path is not merely an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the Mahāyāna philosophical traditions, though that can be found within its pages as well. Rather, the ''Bodhicaryāvatāra'' is an invitation to follow Śāntideva's lead and join the ranks of bodhisattvas walking upon this very path. | ||
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Revision as of 05:08, 23 June 2022
Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra is undoubtedly one of the great classics of Indian Mahāyāna Buddhism. What sets it apart from other highly esteemed exemplars of Buddhist philosophical literature is its pragmatic approach to the bodhisattva path, making it both accessible and relatable to generations upon generations of aspiring practitioners. Written in the first person, Śāntideva states in the opening verses that "I wrote it only to habituate my mind," thus much of the treatise reads as an inner dialogue with the author addressing himself directly with a mixture of encouragement and admonishment- at times courageous and at others self-effacing. Most of all, Śāntideva utilizes reasoned argument as a means to internalize the intricacies of his philosophical studies and the foundations of the bodhisattva way of life. Therefore, his presentation of the path is not merely an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the Mahāyāna philosophical traditions, though that can be found within its pages as well. Rather, the Bodhicaryāvatāra is an invitation to follow Śāntideva's lead and join the ranks of bodhisattvas walking upon this very path.
