By Shantideva
Trans: Marion L. Matics
Foundational text of Mahayan Buddhism, the Bodhicaryavatara’s influence was great when composed and continues down through our age. Devoted to the development of bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment), it’s considered the ultimate view on understanding authentic patience, the most clear and concise explanation of Madhyamaka, as well as source for the most popular Mahayana “prayers.” Describing an overwhelming compassion not limited to human beings but to all creatures than can suffer pain, this powerful inspiration portrays an aspiration incredibly noble but not likely to be realized soon.
“All form, therefore, is like a dream… The body, in this way, has no existence; What, therefore, is male and what is female?”
Chapters:
13. Honor and Disgrace
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“All the good works gathered in a thousand ages such as deeds of generosity and offerings to the Blissful One, a single flash of anger shatters them.”
Chapters:
37. Nameless Simplicity
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“All the suffering there is in this world arises from wishing our self to be happy. All the happiness there is in this world arises from wishing others to be happy.”
Chapters:
37. Nameless Simplicity
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“Although it has many parts like arms and legs, our bodies are one whole. In a similar way, all beings with their yearnings for happiness, their joys and sorrows are like one body, different but equal.”
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“Be a friend of the world.”
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“Childish beings look out for themselves, Buddhas labor for the good of others.”
Chapters:
75. Greed
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“For I am one who strives for freedom. I must not be caught by wealth and honors.”
Chapters:
44. Fame and Fortune
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“I rejoice with delight at the good done by all beings.”
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“If there is a remedy, then what is the use of frustration? If there is no remedy, then what is the use of frustration?”
Chapters:
27. No Trace
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“If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?”
Chapters:
16. Returning to the Root, Meditation
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“May I be the doctor and the medicine
And may I be the nurse
For all sick beings in the world
Until everyone is healed.”
Chapters:
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“People scorn the poor who have no wealth. They also criticize the rich who have it. What pleasure can derive from keeping company with people such as these, so difficult to please?”
Chapters:
46. Enough
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“The irritations of amassing, protecting, and losing money easily become an endless anguish.”
Chapters:
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“We are like senseless children who shrink from suffering but love its causes.”
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“We hate suffering, but love it’s causes.”
Chapters:
2. The Wordless Teachings
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“We hurt ourselves; our pain is self-inflicted! Why should others be the object of our anger?”
Chapters:
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“What we see and what we touch is stuff of dreams and mirages.”
Chapters:
49. No Set Mind
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“When happiness is liked by me and others equally, what is so special about me that I should strive after happiness only for myself?”
Chapters:
7. Lose Yourself, Gain Your Soul
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“When shall I reveal this truth of emptiness to those who go to ruin through a belief in real existence?”
Chapters:
38. Fruit Over Flowers
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“Where would I find enough leather to cover the entire surface of the earth? But with leather soles beneath my feet, it’s as if the whole world has been covered.”
Chapters:
29. Not Doing
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“Would a sick person be helped only by reading a medical book?”
Chapters:
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