A New Translation and Contemporary Guide byKhenpo David Karma Choephel
For well over a millennium, Shantideva’s guide to the bodhisattva’s path has been revered and studied as a manual for becoming a bodhisattva, someone who is dedicated to achieving enlightenment in order to benefit all beings. In this fresh and poetic translation, Khenpo David Karma Choephel communicates the power of Shantideva’s insights through careful attention to both the meaning and the rhythmic pulse of each stanza. The translation is followed by a chapter-by-chapter guide, which provides necessary context and practical advice.
paperback, 304 pages
Khenpo David Karma Choephel is Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's main English-language translator as well as the translator of many books on Tibetan Buddhism. He studied Buddhist philosophy at the Vajra Vidya Institute in Namo Buddha, Nepal, and Sarnath, India, and earned the title of Khenpo, essentially a PhD in the Tibetan system.
Shantideva was a scholar in the eighth century from the monastic university Nalanda, one of the most celebrated centers of learning in ancient India. According to legend, Shantideva was greatly inspired by the celestial bodhisattva Manjushri, from whom he secretly received teachings and great insights. Yet as far as the other monks could tell, there was nothing special about Shantideva. In fact, he seemed to do nothing but eat and sleep. In an attempt to embarrass him, the monks forced Shantideva's hand by convincing him to publicly expound on the scriptures. To the amazement of all in attendance that day, Shantideva delivered the original and moving verses of the Bodhicharyavatara. When he reached verse thirty-four of the ninth chapter, he began to rise into the sky, until he at last disappeared. Following this, Shantideva became a great teacher.
PRAISE
"Shantideva’sWay of the Bodhisattvagives clear and inspiring teachings on developing loving-kindness, compassion, and bodhichitta. Not only is studying it important for students of the Mahayana, it can also help anyone develop a good heart and become a better person. I am sure that this new translation and short guide by Khenpo David Karma Choephel will bring great benefit to many people." —Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
"Shantideva’sEntering the Way of the Bodhisattvais one of the most celebrated treatises from the golden age of Indian Buddhism. It sets forth all of the key trainings of the Mahayana path, and its beautiful verses have inspired great masters and dharma practitioners throughout centuries. I am delighted that, under the guidance of the Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo David Karma Choephel has offered a fresh translation of this transformative set of instructions. The wisdom and compassion of Shantideva’s work is as timely as ever for our world, and I am certain that many will find pure fuel for their journey in these pages." —Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author ofMind Beyond DeathandEmotional Rescue
"This most accurate and amazingly readable translation of theWay of Bodhisattvaby Khenpo David Karma Choephel shows his complete mastery of both the target and source languages as well as his deep knowledge and genuine experience. This book will be used for generations." —Ringu Tulku
