The nectar of Manjushri’s speech : a detailed commentary on Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva

The Bodhicharyavatara, or Way of the Bodhisattva, composed by the eighth-century Indian master Shantideva, has occupied an important place in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition throughout its history. It is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment through generating the qualities of love, compassion, generosity, and patience. In this commentary, Kunzang Pelden has compiled the pith instructions of his teacher Patrul Rinpoche, the celebrated author of The Words of My Perfect Teacher. Contents 8 Foreword 10 Translators’ Introduction 12 Textual Outline 25 Prologue 37 Introduction 39 Part One. The Generation of Bodhichitta Where It Has Not Previously Existed 65 1. The Excellence and Benefits of Bodhichitta 67 2. Confession of Negativity 89 3. Taking Hold of Bodhichitta 143 Part Two. How to Prevent Bodhichitta from Weakening Once It Has Been Generated 162 4. Carefulness 163 5. Vigilant Introspection 188 6. Patience 221 Part Three. How Bodhichitta Is to Be Developed and Intensified 258 7. Diligence 259 8. Meditative Concentration 282 9. Wisdom 337 Part Four. Dedication of the Resulting Merit for the Benefit of Others 9 10. Dedication 417 Notes 467 Works Cited 487 Index 489