Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: Chapter 1; The Benefits of the Awakening Mind

by Gelek Rimpoche

Chapter One illuminates the qualities and benefits of bodhimind, the altruistic aspiration to become enlightened for the sake of others. Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara is among the most beloved and inspiring works in the Mahayana tradition. Gelek Rinpoche’s oral explanations of each verse provide us with the key to unlock this hidden treasure that reveals how Bodhisattvas deal with their lives, and how we can learn to do the same.Born in Lhasa, Tibet in 1939, bestselling author and internationally reknowned Tibetan Lama Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche brings his traditional Buddhist training into strong dialogue with science, psychology, medicine, metaphysics, politics and the arts; he skillfully addresses the dilemma of living a spiritual life in a material world. His collected works now include over 30 transcripts of his teachings, numerous articles, as well as the national bestseller, Good Life, Good Death (Riverhead Books, 2001) and The Tara Rituals for Protection and Healing from the Female Buddha (New World Library, 2004). Rimpoche is a U.S. citizen and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.In 1988, Rimpoche founded Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center with chapters in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Jewel Heart offers a multi-layered program for spiritual development, including weekly webcasts, annual retreats, and special events. The organization also supports senior lamas and the training of young monks, a children’s school and orphanage, and Buddhist performing arts tours.Gelek Rimpoche has consistently shown resiliency and flexibility of character and sound understanding of selflessness. He can be an elegant lama in a formal setting…a wise advisor in another setting..a loyal and creative colleague in the endless work of seeing to the continuing usefulness of the Dharma.--Robert A.F. ThurmanGelek Rimpoche’s mix of astute psychological insight, extraordinary intellect, and great compassion—plus delightful wit—makes him a wonderful, wise spiritual friend and guide.--Daniel GolemanGelek Rimpoche constantly shows wisdom, gentleness, depth, rascality, humor, spaciousness, and the spiritual side to everyday life.--Ram Dass

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2002

About the author

Kyabjé Gelek Rimpoche (Tibetan: དགེ་ལེགས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་, Wylie: Skyabs-rje Dge-legs Rin-po-che) is tulku (incarnate lama) of Drepung Monastic University, where he received the scholastic degree of Geshe Lharampa, the highest degree given within the Gelug tradition.

Gelek is a nephew of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He was tutored by many of the same masters as the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.

In 1959, Gelek fled to India from Tibet and gave up monastic life. He is the founder and president of Jewel Heart, "a spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian organization that translates the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism into contemporary life." Beat-poet Allen Ginsberg was among the more prominent of Jewel Heart's members.