Bodhisattva Ideal: wisdom and compassion in buddhism

'To consider the Bodhisattva ideal is to place one's hand on the very heart of Buddhism, and feel the beating of that heart.'

How can we live an ideal life in the real world? How can we be happy and at the same time responsive to the suffering of others? It can be done: this is the message of the Bodhisattva ideal.

The Bodhisattva's life exemplifies the resolution of the conflict between our own desires and the needs of others. Sustained by a deep understanding gained through meditation and reflection, the Bodhisattva works tirelessly for the benefit of all. The development of inner calm and positivity that leads to true wisdom is balanced by a genuine and active concern for others which flowers into great compassion.

Sangharakshita places the ideal of the Bodhisattva, one of the sublimest spiritual ideals mankind has ever seen, within the context of the entire Buddhist tradition. Unfolding this vision of our potential, he demonstrates how we ourselves can faithfully engage with that vision and make our lives worthwhile.

About the Author
Editor's Preface

Chapter 1 The Origin and Development of the
Bodhisattva Ideal
Chapter 2 The Awakening of the Bodhi Heart
Chapter 3 The Bodhisattva Vow
Chapter 4 Altruism and Individualism in the Spiritual Life
Chapter 5 'Masculinity' and 'Femininity' in the Spiritual
Life
Chapter 6 On the Threshold of Enlightenment
Chapter 7 The Bodhisattva Hierarchy
Chapter 8 The Buddha and Bodhisattva: Eternity and
Time
Notes and References
Further Reading
Index