The Bodhisattva Life

Known as one of the pillars of Mahayana Buddhist thought, Shantideva revolutionised the understanding of the spiritual path in 8th century India. Although initially considered a lazy monk in Nalanda, he surprised everyone by revealing his profound realisation through his spontaneous exposition of the Bodhicharyavatara. This poetic treatise, divided into ten chapters, addresses such essential topics as the awakening of the altruistic mind (bodhichitta), meditation and the ultimate nature of reality. Its practical methods for transforming negative emotions and cultivating positive qualities have profoundly influenced Tibetan traditions and continue to be studied as a fundamental guide to spiritual development.