Ebook: For the Benefit of All Beings: A Commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva

The fourteenth Dalai Lama, a living embodiment of the bodhisattva ideal, presents detailed practical guidance based on sections of The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva, the best-known text of Mahayana Buddhism. The Dalai Lama explains this classic and beloved work, showing how anyone can develop a truly "good heart" and the aspiration for the enlightenment of all beings. In this book, the Dalai Lama's profound knowledge is evident—the result of extensive training. Here he shares his extraordinary insight into the human condition and what it means to be a responsible and caring person.

Review
“On many levels, the book is splendid as both an introduction to Buddhist spirituality and an explication of Shantideva for contemporary Westerners.”—Library Journal


“One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of the teachings and the simplicity of the life presented here. Indeed, non-Buddhists may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of ‘love your neighbor,’ and ‘do unto others.’”—Booklist
From AudioFile
The Dalai Lama selects portions of this Buddhist classic on which to provide commentary. As is well suited to a commentary, this production uses two narrators: Wulstan Fletcher presents the text, which is followed by the commentary presented by James Gimian. The contrast in narrators is particularly helpful when the commentary engages in a dialogue with the text. The text is one of the primary teachings on the Buddhist path to becoming a Bodhisattva and living a life of generosity and compassion. The commentary represents teachings of the Dalai Lama as presented in a week-long retreat on the text. This audiobook is well suited to a self-study or a study group. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
About the Author
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is considered the foremost Buddhist leader of our time. The exiled spiritual head of the Tibetan people, he is a Nobel Peace Laureate, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and a remarkable teacher and scholar who has authored over one hundred books.
From Library Journal
The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, delivered this teaching and commentary on Shantideva's The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara Sutra) for Westerners in a week-long instruction in Dordogne, France. Those who take the bodhisattva path promise to work toward attaining enlightenment and Buddhahood for the liberation of all sentient beings. The path thus involves the renunciation of self-centered goals and demands generosity, purification, attentiveness, patience, and wisdom. On many levels, the book is splendid as both an introduction to Buddhist spirituality and an explication of Shantideva for contemporary Westerners. Recommended for all libraries.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
If everyone considered only the well-being of others as the bodhisattva's way of life directs, the world would be a much better place. As it is, those who dream of such a society need both mystical and practical advice regarding what they can do to further the effort. They'll find it here. The Dalai Lama's teaching and reflection on the text of Shantideva provide a gentle guide to compassion and enlightenment. Throughout his explanations, the Dalai Lama refers to the experience of daily living. For most readers his examples will ring true, particularly when he is talking about the very human emotions of anger and frustration. The call to serve others and think of others first may seem idealistic, but it is the goal of enlightenment something to work toward whatever one's path. One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of the teachings and the simplicity of the life presented here. Indeed, non-Buddhists may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of love your neighbor and do unto others. Mary Deeley.