Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the most treasured classics of Buddhist literature. The Dalai Lama has 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.” Our text is a translation by The Padmakara Translation Group,
chosen for its ability to render the original Sanskrit verse with accuracy, while retaining some of the beauty of Shantideva’s poetry. We will read and discuss topics like: cultivating bodhichitta (the heart of enlightenment), the six perfections of an aspiring bodhisattva, and the union of wisdom and compassion. We will also use these topics for brief guided meditation sessions. Join us for this exploration of the bodhisattva path. Continue reading →

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The Lam Rim is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the teachings of the sutras in gradual stages according to the traditional three levels, or scopes, of spiritual endeavor. It begins with essential teachings on impermanence, karma, and ethics. Then, from the Hinayana standpoint, it describes the essential Buddhist teachings of the four noble truths and the twelve links of dependent arising. Moving on, finally, to the Mahayana perspective, it expounds fully the teachings on Bodhicitta and the path of the six Paramitas, and gives an unusually detailed exposition of Buddhist vows. Continue reading →