'The Bodhisattva ideal is a vast subject. It is the major distinctive emphasis of the phase of the development of Buddhism known as the Mahayana, which had its flowering for a period of around 500 years (0-500CE), but is still practised today in many different forms, from Tibetan Buddhism to Zen. To consider this topic is to place one's hand on the very heart of Buddhism, and feel the beating of that heart.' Thus Sangharakshita introduces his theme. The first part of this volume describes the arising of the bodhicitta and the bodhisattva's path to Enlightenment in a weaving together of the sublime and the inspiringly practical, and the second part is a commentary on Santideva's classic 8th-century text, the Bodhicaryavatara, based on a seminar given in 1973, in the very early days of Triratna, thus shaping the newly emerging Buddhist movement. The seminar was titled The Endlessly Fascinating Cry, echoing Santideva's fervent prayer: 'In order to grasp this jewel of the mind, I offer ... the endlessly fascinating cry of wild geese ...' The volume ends with 'The Bodhisattva Principle', a talk given in 1983 to a conference of scientists and mystics in which Sangharakshita presents a vision of the bodhisattva as an embodiment of the key to the evolution of consciousness, individual and collective. The subject of this book may be an ideal, but it offers many ways to take the first real steps on this most significant of all journeys, and much nourishment for the heart and mind of the would-be bodhisattva.

About the Author
Sangharakshita is the founder and principal teacher of Triratna, a worldwide Buddhist movement. With teaching experience spanning 60 years, he is the author of over 40 books.

Reviews
`I have always looked to Sangharakshita's books for inspiration and ideas on how to better translate the principles and practices of Buddhism for Western audiences and practitioners today.' - Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within



Book Information
ISBN 9781911407300
Author Sangharakshita
Format Paperback
Page Count 712
Imprint Windhorse Publications
Publisher Windhorse Publications