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Bodhicaryavatara

The Bodhicaryavatara, meaning “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life,” is a classical Mahayana Buddhist text attributed to the Indian monk Shantideva, thought to have lived at Nalanda in the 8th century CE. It is written in verse and organized into eight chapters that outline the bodhisattva path, with an emphasis on cultivating bodhicitta, the compassionate intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

The core of the work is the practice of the six paramitas or perfections: generosity, ethical discipline,

Influence and reception: the Bodhicaryavatara has been influential across the Buddhist world, especially within Tibetan Buddhism,

Style and structure: the text blends exhortation, narrative, and poetic meditation, combining lyrical verses with concise

patience,
joyous
effort,
meditative
concentration,
and
wisdom.
Shantideva
presents
both
the
theoretical
view
and
practical
methods
for
developing
these
qualities,
including
techniques
for
transforming
adversities
into
spiritual
practice,
the
exchange
of
self
with
others
(tonglen),
and
the
integration
of
compassion
with
wisdom.
A
central
concern
is
the
emptiness
of
inherent
existence,
presented
in
the
context
of
developing
a
compassionate,
wise
approach
to
all
sentient
beings.
where
it
has
inspired
numerous
commentaries
and
practice
traditions.
It
is
widely
studied,
translated
into
many
languages,
and
used
as
a
practical
guide
for
bodhisattvas
in
daily
practice
as
well
as
in
philosophical
reflection.
instructions.
Its
enduring
relevance
lies
in
its
accessible
articulation
of
altruistic
motivation,
ethical
discipline,
and
the
cultivation
of
wisdom
as
the
foundation
for
compassionate
action.