The Bodhisattva vow / by Geshe Sonam Rinchen ; translated and edited by Ruth Sonam.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sonam Rinchen, 1933-2015.

Contributor:

Sonam, Ruth, 1943-

Candragomin.

Rev. Shojo Honda Collection (University of Pennsylvania)

Language:

English

Tibetan

Subjects (All):

Vows (Buddhism).

Bodhisattva (The concept).

Compassion--Religious aspects--Buddhism.

Compassion.

Buddhism--Prayers and devotions.

Buddhism.

Genre:

Prayers and devotions.

Prayers.

Devotional literature.

Physical Description:

235 pages, 2 unnumbered pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Ithaca, N.Y. : Snow Lion Publications, 2000.

Summary:

Bodhisattvas, the great beings of Mahayana Buddhism, are those who have generated bodhicitta, resolving to gain enlightenment in order to bring about lasting happiness for all living beings. This volume of oral teachings by Geshe Sonam Rinchen explains the altruistic wish to attain enlightenment and the precepts of training which accompany it.

Implementing the resolve to gain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures involves engaging in the marvelous activities of Bodhisattvas. In order to engage in these activities and live the life of an authentic Bodhisattva, one takes the Bodhisattva vow.

Before His Holiness the Dalai Lama bestows the Bodhisattva vow, he often teaches the short text known as the Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow by the Indian master Chandragomin. Chandragomin's text discusses some of the most important features regarding the vow, such as from whom it should be taken, how one should prepare for receiving it, what constitute transgressions of the vow, and how they should be purified. In clear and accessible terms, Geshe Sonam Rinchen explains how to take and then safeguard the Bodhisattva vow.

Contents:

1. Heart of Mahayana Practice 7

2. How to Develop the Altruistic Intention 21

3. Cultivating Loving Affection 35

4. Love and Compassion 49

5. Transforming Attitudes 63

6. How to Hold the Altruistic Intention 81

7. Ethical Discipline of Bodhisattvas 99

8. Commentary on Chandragomin's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow 115

Text of the Twenty Verses in English and Tibetan 166

1. A Traditional Biography of Chandragomin 181

2. Seven-part Practice from The King of Prayers 187

3. Eighteen Downfalls and Forty-six Faulty Actions 191.

Notes:

Includes the text of Candragomin's Bodhisattvasaṃvaraviṃśaka in English and Tibetan.

Includes bibliographical references (page 237).

Related Work:

Candragomin. Bodhisattvasaṃvaraviṃśaka. English & Tibetan.

ISBN:

1559391502

9781559391504

OCLC:

44026191