Buddha-Nature in the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra by Peter Alan Roberts
| Description | Bodhicharyavatara, Chapter 2, Stanza 1 Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Bodhicharya Online Shedra (March 1, 2011) We have come to the beginning of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, the Chapter of Purification, or the Confession. In order to generate and establish bodhichitta in ourselves we first need to create positive habitual tendencies, and the first preparation is making offerings. In this video (BA2_1) Rinpoche explains the first stanza of this chapter. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 65-66. |
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| Description | On the occasion of the 10-Year Anniversary Celebration of Prajnopaya at MIT, His Holiness the Dalai Lama graciously agreed to bestow a teaching based on Acharya Kamalaśīla's Stages of Meditation at the request of The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi.
About the Text: Stages of Meditation (Sanskrit. Bhāvanākrama; Tibetan. Gomrim Barpa) offers lucid instructions on cultivating a meditative mind. In great detail, it instructs practitioners on acquiring familiarity and developing expertise in two forms of meditation that will lessen suffering and ultimately lead to enlightenment. These two are śamatha, or calm abiding, and vipaśyanā, or stainless insight. Kamalaśīla clearly outlines why both methods are essential to the practitioner's development and why both must be grounded in compassion. |
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| Description | Teaching by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche on The Way of the Bodhisattva. This video covers chapter 1 and is part 1 of 3. |
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| Description | Teaching by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche on The Way of the Bodhisattva. This video covers chapter 6 and is part 1 of 11. |
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| Description | This teaching is part of a series of teachings on the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra), Shantideva’s well-known and much revered work. It is a very poetic and inspiring text explaining how to live the bodhisattva ideal, progressively dedicating one’s life completely to others until achieving enlightenment and becoming perfectly beneficial to them. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | This is day 1 of Geshe Lhakdor's teaching from Shantideva's Verses of the Compendium of Precepts (Śikṣāsamuccayakārikā). The teaching is in English. |
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| Description | In this nine-part series, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche teaches on chapter one of the Uttaratantra, Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana by Maitreya. This important text clarifies the meaning of our Buddha potential, in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment, and gives an extensive explanation of the meaning of the Three Jewels--Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This teaching was given at Land of Medicine Buddha in 2003 and includes both Tibetan and English interpretation by Voula Zarpani. The first part includes six parts of six classes and three discussion classes led by Venerable George Churinoff. |
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| Description | In this chapter, Shantideva reminds us that all good deeds and all wrongdoings, all happiness and all sufferings depend on our minds. Only by carefully guarding our minds can we protect and develop the qualities to benefit ourselves and others up to enlightenment. To do so, we need mindfulness to keep our minds on virtue and introspection to check that our actions, speech, and thoughts are not involved in non-virtue. Drawing from many different situations, Shantideva illustrates precisely how to apply mindfulness and introspection to refrain vigilantly from negative actions, resolutely engage in virtue, and skillfully benefit others. This maps out for us the whole practice of morality in the most inspiring yet very hands-on way.
By commenting on each poetic verse, Venerable Fedor will help us unfold the profound meaning behind each one and integrate them into our daily lives. This teaching is part of a series of teachings on the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra), Shantideva’s well-known and much revered work. It is a very powerful text explaining how to live the Bodhisattva ideal, progressively dedicating one’s life completely to others until achieving enlightenment and becoming perfectly beneficial to them. Even though the text is very profound, it is incredibly accessible and can inspire all practitioners, whatever their experience of Buddhism is. It is especially recommended for those who want to know more about or practice Mahayana Buddhism, and more generally, to develop loving kindness and compassion. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | Venerable Thubten Chodron gives an overview of the text and covers verse 1ab in Chapter 1 on Shantideva’s homage to the Triple Gem.
The Texts: |
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| Description | Day 1 morning of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's four day teaching on Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" and Kamalashila's "Middling Stages of Meditation" in Madison, Wisconsin from July 20th to 23rd, 2008. (www.dalailama.com) (Source Accessed Oct 13, 2021) |
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| Description | Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche's five weeks Online Teaching Course on Lord Maitreya's Uttaratantra Shastra, which explores what we call Buddha Nature, recorded in weekly sessions from April 25th to May 23rd 2018.
The Uttaratantra is one of the Five Treatises of Lord Maitreya, which elucidates the Buddha's definitive teachings on Buddha-essence, the inherent qualities and potential for Buddhahood present in all beings. Just as an acorn, when given the right conditions, can become an oak, the seed of our Buddha Nature can be activated and cultivated. When nourished through teachings, meditation, and contemplation, its essence can flourish into profound spiritual development. This precious text also clarifies the nature and quality of Buddhahood. As a basis for his teachings, Tulku recommends: Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Commentary by Arya Maitreya (Author), Jamgon Kongtrul (Editor), Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso (Editor), Rosemarie Fuchs (Translator). |
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| Description | Sunday Livestream Teaching w/ Drupa Rinpoche (January 10th, 2021). Bodhicaryavatara - Chapter 4 Conscientiousness (Verses 1-10).
Prayers begin at 7:01. First verse begins at 41:26. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche offers instruction on practicing patience or forbearance, as explained in Shantideva's treasured text, A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The 1,000-year old text, prized in all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, provides methods by which the depths of our compassion and wisdom can be revealed. So revered is this text that the prominent 19th-century Nyingma teacher, Patrul Rinpoche, who lived as a wandering ascetic with very few possessions, was said to have always carried A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life with him and was constantly teaching the text. Similarly, His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso once said, "if I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the Bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it." Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche will help us understand Shantideva's sixth chapter on "Patience". (Source Accessed Oct 8, 2021) |
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| Description | Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche Lesson 1. The Excellence of Bodhicitta Online Course hosted by The Buddhist Society 18th February 2021 during lockdown Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will analyse the Bodhicaryāvatāra, often translated as A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, an 8th-century masterpiece from Indian scholar and yogi Shantideva. In each of the ten lessons, H.E. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will focus on one of the ten chapters of the Bodhicaryāvatāra. The Bodhicaryāvatāra is regarded as one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist texts and is studied extensively by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners everywhere. Rinpoche delivers his understanding of the text in a way that makes it fully accessible to anyone who is looking for support and help in these times. Course Outline |
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| Description | An early foundational text for buddha-nature theory, the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra is an influential teaching in many Buddhist traditions in China and Tibet. There is some controversy surrounding its teaching, and this discussion will illuminate some of the more interesting aspects of the sūtra. Set around the time of Buddha's passing, or Mahāparinirvāṇa, the sūtra contains teachings on buddha-nature, equating it with the dharmakāya—that is, the complete enlightenment of a buddha. It also asserts that all sentient beings possess this nature as the buddhadhātu, or buddha-element, which thus acts as a cause, seed, or potential for all beings to attain enlightenment. Furthermore, the sūtra includes some salient features related to this concept, such as the single vehicle and the notion that the dharmakāya is endowed with the four pāramitās of permanence, bliss, purity, and a self.
Peter Alan Roberts was born in Wales and lives in Hollywood, California. He earned a BA in Sanskrit and Pali and a DPhil in Tibetan Studies from Oxford University (Harris-Manchester College). For more than thirty years he has been working as an interpreter for lamas and as a translator of Tibetan texts. He specializes in the literature of the Kagyü and Nyingma traditions with a focus on tantric practices, and he is the author of The Biographies of Rechungpa and Mahāmudrā and Related Instructions, along with many other translations, especially for the 84000 Project. See The Stem Array, a translation of the Gaṇḍavyuha from the Tibetan, Sūtra of the Sublime Golden Light—a translation of the Suvarṇaprabhāsottamasūtra, and others online at 84000.co. |
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| Description | Traité de la continuité suprême du grand véhicule, un texte exceptionnel du bouddhisme tibétain Invité : Christian Charrier |
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| Description | Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche talks about LOVING KINDNESS AND COMPASSION cont., BODHICITTA and REFUGE in this video .
Motivation ! (E 00:24 ) |
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| Description | In this public talk held at Jewel Heart in New York, Geshe Tenley helps us understand why anger is so harmful and how we can keep a clear and calm mind, adapting Shantideva's timeless wisdom to our modern world. Translator Tenzin Gelek. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | Through acquiring the wisdom discerning the true nature of reality, the bodhisattva draws nearer to and eventually reaches the goal of complete and perfect enlightenment. Shantideva elucidates the way to develop this transcendent wisdom in the latter portion of the ninth chapter and then concludes the text with a beautiful and inspiring chapter of heartfelt prayers and dedications for attaining this result. (Source Accessed Oct 5, 2021) |
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| Description | An intensive seminar on view and practices of Mahayana Buddhism, based in part on Shantideva's classic work The Bodhicharyavatara. Begins with the transition of hinayana to mahayana: being gentle toward oneself and reducing discursive thoughts in meditation awakens "bodhichitta", "awakened heart." Core teaching of mahayana as the six paramitas -- generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation, and wisdom or prajna. All qualities already inherent in us. Special focus on discipline paramita, controlling one's mind and sense perceptions, not taking a break. Final paramita of prajna, or "discriminating awareness wisdom", described as knowing what to boycott, what to cultivate. According to Shantideva, "bodhisattva ideal" is taking a journey that does not run away from challenges. Involves raising twofold bodhichitta, relative and absolute. Relative is developing sympathy, relaxation within oneself and generating to others. Absolute as experiencing mind beyond discursive thoughts. Bodhisattva vow is expanding vision beyond one's immediate circle to include everyone. Final topic is tonglen, "sending and taking", meditation practice that takes in suffering of others, gives out goodness. Mahayana as putting "this", oneself, together with "that", other, in mutual egolessness. Extensive QandA of concluding talk defines prajna in depth, razor-like clarity that boycotts all unnecessary situations and activities, the latter the definitions of samsara, which prajna destroys. This seminar was co-taught with the Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin, who gave talks 2, 4, 6, and 8. To listen to the Vajra Regent's talks from this seminar, copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.vajraregent.org/?current_event=612 |
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| Description | In this chapter, Shantideva teaches us a crucial skill: how to develop joy and courage in practicing virtue, the cause of happiness. Pushing ourselves or clinging to meaningless activities will not suffice to bring us to enlightenment. Shantideva guides us in cultivating joyous perseverance through aspiration, steadfastness, and knowing when to rest, so that we may have joyful, unshakable determination that will carry us along the path up to enlightenment as the wind carries a cotton ball.
By commenting on each poetic verse, Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi helps us unfold the profound meaning behind each one and integrate them into our daily lives. This teaching is part of a series of teachings on the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra), a very powerful text explaining how to live the Bodhisattva ideal, progressively dedicating one’s life completely to others until achieving enlightenment and becoming perfectly beneficial to them. This profound text is incredibly accessible and can inspire different practitioners. It is especially recommended for those who want to know more about or practice Mahayana Buddhism, and more generally, to develop loving kindness and compassion. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | Day 1 of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's three day teaching on Shantideva's "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" organized by the Youth Buddhist Society of India in Sankisa, UP, India on December 3-5, 2018. His Holiness speaks in Tibetan with an English translation available. (Source Accessed Oct 8, 2021) |
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| Description | Sunday Livestream Teaching w/ Drupa Rinpoche (August 16th, 2020). Bodhicaryavatara Chapter 1, The Benefits of Bodhicitta. A summary of the talk is available at: https://khacholing.org/k/images/PPT/BodhisattvaVowsNotes3.pdf. (Source Accessed Oct 29, 2021) |
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| Description | His Holiness the Dalai Lama's three-day teaching on The Furthest Everlasting Continuum (Sanskrit - Uttaratantra; Tibetan - Gyü Lama) and Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path at the request of Russian Buddhists at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, HP, India on May 10–12, 2019. On the third day His Holiness conducts the ceremony for generating the awakening mind (bodhichitta). His Holiness speaks in Tibetan followed by an English translation.
Note: In the first 27 minutes of part 1, there are technical difficulties with the English translation. |
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| Description | His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama teaches in a traditional line-by-line commentary of the Mahayanottaratantrashashtra in this video from Holland in 1986. Alexander Berzin interprets His Holiness into English. Seven diamond-strong points of the in five chapters, the first four points, which introduce "the source", or buddha-nature, are presented in the first chapter, the second chapter discusses the fifth point, the state of purified growth of enlightenment fifth point, the third chapter presents the sixth point which is the qualities of that state of purified growth, the fourth deals with the seventh point, the enlightening influence, and the fifth chapter discusses the benefits of studying the text. The text itself discusses the clear light nature of the mind which is covered over by cognitive and afflictive obscurations. Once these obscurations have been purified, the clear light nature of mind is revealed. |
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| Description | Shantideva Class 1. Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok Rinpoche teaching on The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva. |
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| Description | Khenpo Sherab Sangpo offers teachings and guided meditation on the topic of buddha-nature during a retreat on February 15, 2020 at Bodhicitta Sangha: Heart of Enlightenment Institute in Minneapolis Minnesota. |
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| Description | The Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva is one of the most celebrated works of the Mahayana Buddhism, teaching in detail the bodhisattva way in ten chapters. Beginning with a praise of bodhicitta - the resolve to attain perfect awakening for the benefit of all beings - Shantideva instructs us on how to give birth to this priceless jewel of a mind and how to cultivate it step by step. It covers all the important practices, from generosity, discipline, patience and joyful effort, to the meditative application of bodhicitta and profound insight into the true nature of reality. Shantideva concludes his poem with the most wonderful verses of dedication.
Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin taught this text over the course of two IBA summer programs in 2008 and 2009. In the morning, Khenpo la would teach directly on the text and in the afternoon there would be a short review of the morning class and time for Q&A. On Saturdays, Khenpo la taught only the morning class, and Sunday was a day of rest. In 2008, Khenpo la taught chapters 1 to 6: Chapter 1: The benefits of bodhicitta In 2009, Khenpo la taught chapters 7 to 10: Chapter 7: The practice of joyous effort This recording covers chapter 1, verses 1–5. |
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| Description | Teaching by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche on The Way of the Bodhisattva. This video covers chapter 3 and is part 1 of 2. |
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| Description | Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 9, Stanza 1 |
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| Description | Geshe Dorjee examines The Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, and gives commentary on ultimate bodhicitta, emptiness, and what it means to generate the mind for full awakening in the Mahāyāna Buddhist context. |
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| Description | Dedication from Shantideva's The Way of the Bodhisattva Commentary Series by Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Part 1 - September 10, 2024 |
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| Description | If you remove the cold from the ice, it becomes what it has always been - water. Our buddha nature is like water under the influence of the cold, the poisons of the mind. |
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| Description | Audio recording of chapter 1 of Alexander Berzin's translation of the Bodhicaryāvatāra entitled Engaging in Bodhisattva Behavior. |
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| Description | Session 1 - September 28, 2020 Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Ch. 7 Online Program
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryāvatāra), one of the great classics of Indian Buddhist literature, was written by the distinguished eighth-century scholar Shantideva. This revered text is widely regarded as the most authentic and comprehensive guide for the spiritual practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama cites this work as one of the greatest influences in his life and repeatedly stresses the benefits of studying it. The Buddhist path can at times be daunting and, in spite of our good intentions, our spiritual development can frequently be impeded by our own indolence and discouragement. Our ability to keep progressing forward is contingent on whether we know how to cultivate the great enthusiasm and constancy that will help us persevere through whatever challenges we might encounter. In Chapter Seven of the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Master Shantideva provides us with skillful instructions on how to develop the diligence and dedication necessary to overcome our obstacles and proceed joyfully and heroically on the path to enlightenment. (Source Accessed Oct 4, 2021) |
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| Description | The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra is one of the five great treatises given by Lord Maitreya to Asanga. It is a commentary on the teachings of the third turning of Dharma wheel in explaining the buddha-nature. Many great masters say it can be revered as a “commentary bridging the Exoteric and Vajrayana Buddhism”. It provides an important philosophical foundation for understanding the workings of the Buddhist path, particularly for Vajrayana practitioners. |
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| Description | Session 1 - July 6, 2020 Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Ch. 6 Online Program
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryāvatāra), one of the great classics of Indian Buddhist literature, was written by the distinguished eighth-century scholar Shantideva. This revered text is widely regarded as the most authentic and comprehensive guide for the spiritual practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama cites this work as one of the greatest influences in his life and repeatedly stresses the benefits of studying it. We all know how incredibly destructive anger can be in the world, and the unrest it creates in our minds can become a major obstacle to our spiritual progress. Addressing this harmful state requires the practice of patience, a mind that can remain undisturbed in even the most challenging situations. In the sixth chapter of his text, Master Shantideva skillfully reveals the methods to cultivate the strength of patience as a powerful antidote to overcome the inflamed mind of anger and remove this impediment to our progress on the path of awakening for the benefit of all beings. (Source Accessed Oct 4, 2021) |
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| Description | An early foundational text for buddha-nature theory, the Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra is an influential teaching in many Buddhist traditions in China and Tibet. There is some controversy surrounding its teaching, and this discussion will illuminate some of the more interesting aspects of the sūtra. Set around the time of Buddha's passing, or Mahāparinirvāṇa, the sūtra contains teachings on buddha-nature, equating it with the dharmakāya—that is, the complete enlightenment of a buddha. It also asserts that all sentient beings possess this nature as the buddhadhātu, or buddha-element, which thus acts as a cause, seed, or potential for all beings to attain enlightenment. Furthermore, the sūtra includes some salient features related to this concept, such as the single vehicle and the notion that the dharmakāya is endowed with the four pāramitās of permanence, bliss, purity, and a self.
Peter Alan Roberts was born in Wales and lives in Hollywood, California. He earned a BA in Sanskrit and Pali and a DPhil in Tibetan Studies from Oxford University (Harris-Manchester College). For more than thirty years he has been working as an interpreter for lamas and as a translator of Tibetan texts. He specializes in the literature of the Kagyü and Nyingma traditions with a focus on tantric practices, and he is the author of The Biographies of Rechungpa and Mahāmudrā and Related Instructions, along with many other translations, especially for the 84000 Project. See The Stem Array, a translation of the Gaṇḍavyuha from the Tibetan, Sūtra of the Sublime Golden Light—a translation of the Suvarṇaprabhāsottamasūtra, and others online at 84000.co. |
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| Description | In these classes, Rinpoche will give teachings on the classic Indian Buddhist text Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva. This popular Buddhist text provides wonderfully useful tools for skilful and balanced living.
Lama Choedak Rinpoche, who memorised this text when he was 15 years old, will translate from the Tibetan text and offer a down-to-earth commentary with wisdom, humour and compassion. A special focus this term will be on Chapter VI of the text on the Perfection of Patience. The practical wisdom of The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life gives the essential instructions for how to live a happy life in harmony with others. (Source Accessed Oct 8, 2021) |
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| Description | Cortland Dahl teaches a four-part series on buddha-nature during the month of October 2019 at the Tergar Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Each talk begins with a brief 15–20 minute meditation session. |
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| Description | Bodhicharyavatara, Chapter 4, Stanza 1 Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, Bodhicharya Online Shedra (November 2, 2011) Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 139-144. |
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| Description | Teaching by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche on The Way of the Bodhisattva. This video covers chapter 7 and is part 1 of 6. |
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| Description | Session 1 - January 4, 2021 Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Ch. 8 Online Program
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryāvatāra), one of the great classics of Indian Buddhist literature, was written by the distinguished eighth-century scholar Shantideva. This revered text is widely regarded as the most authentic and comprehensive guide for the spiritual practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama cites this work as one of the greatest influences in his life and repeatedly stresses the benefits of studying it. One of the most important elements of our practice of the bodhisattva path is the skill of meditative concentration that is essential as a support for our advancement towards the goal of enlightenment. With the attainment of calm abiding, a meditative state in which all obstacles to stable concentration have been removed, we can then use the power of our minds to achieve greater and greater realizations. In Chapter Eight of the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Master Shantideva first provides instruction on developing this meditative skill to calm our minds, and then proceeds to explain how to use our meditation on exchanging our self-concern with an altruistic concern for others as a way to open our hearts and dedicate our lives fully to the welfare of all beings. (Source Accessed Oct 4, 2021) |
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| Description | Geshe Lhundup Sopa teaches on Shantideva's "Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds" Chapter 6 Verses 1-7, on cultivating fortitude. (Source Accessed Nov 10, 2021) |
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| Description | Entering the Bodhisattva Path Geshe Thubten Soepa: Public Talk and Retreat, November 2014 |
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| Description | Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 7, Stanzas 1-2 |
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| Description | Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 10: Dedication |
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| Description | Certificate Course - Session 9 (19th July 2015) Part - 1 Venue: Conference Hall, Tibet House MEDITATION & BODHICITTA The course focuses on the Meditation & Bodhicitta aspects of the path through an in-depth and comprehensive study of this Chapter. The thematic arrangement of the text is based on the six perfections (paramitas), which provide the framework for the path to enlightenment for an aspirant of the Bodhisattva path. The course is taught by Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director, Tibet House. (Source Accessed Oct 28, 2021) |
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| Description | Session 1 - February 10, 2020
Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Ch. 4-5 Online Program Having developed the mind intent upon enlightenment (which is covered in the first three chapters), the bodhisattva must initially remove the obstacles of destructive behavior and uncontrolled emotions which impede one’s progress toward enlightenment. The fourth and fifth chapters of Shantideva’s text reveal the methods to strengthen one’s far-reaching motivation and develop proper mindfulness as antidotes to these impediments to proceeding on the path. The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryāvatāra), one of the great classics of Indian Buddhist literature, was written by the distinguished 8th-century scholar, Master Shantideva. This revered text is widely regarded as the most authentic and comprehensive guide for the spiritual practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama cites this work as one of the greatest influences in his life and repeatedly stresses the benefits of studying it. (Source Accessed Oct 4, 2021) |
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| Description | For those wishing to cultivate the greatness of the Mahayana spirit. H.H. the Dalai Lama’s pithy teachings on some of the essential verses from the Way of the Bodhisattva. Previously published as A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night and For the Benefit of All Beings. |
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Abstract from the Author
Sources Mentioned
The Mahāparinirvāṇasūtra is one of the main scriptural sources for buddha-nature in China and Tibet. Set around the time of Buddha's passing or Mahāparinirvāṇa, the sūtra contains teachings on buddha-nature equating it with the dharmakāya—that is, the complete enlightenment of a buddha. It also asserts that all sentient beings possess this nature as the buddhadhātu, or buddha-element, which thus acts as a cause, seed, or potential for all beings to attain enlightenment. Furthermore, the sūtra includes some salient features related to this concept, such as the single vehicle and the notion that the dharmakāya is endowed with the four pāramitās of permanence, bliss, purity, and a self.
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| Citation | Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected. |
Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected.
<ul><li>"Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." is not recognized as a Boolean (true/false) value.</li> <!--br--><li> "Lua error in Module" has not been listed as valid URI scheme.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Performer" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Director" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Producer" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "BuNayPublisher" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Translator" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Contributors" has a restricted application area and cannot be used as annotation property by a user.</li> <!--br--><li>"Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains an extrinsic dash or other characters that are invalid for a date interpretation.</li> <!--br--><li>"" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value -110.</li> <!--br--><li>"" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value -111.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Organization" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Frontcoverimg" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "Pdflink" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "BuNayTopicTags" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li> <!--br--><li>"" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value -140.</li> <!--br--><li>"" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value -141.</li> <!--br--><li>Property "LocalMediaFile" (as page type) with input value "Lua error in Module:GetMediaValue at line 1: Module:MediaData returned boolean, table expected." contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.</li></ul>
