How to Be Caring: An Ancient Guide to a Compassionate Life

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers

by Jay L. Garfield, Śhāntideva (Contributor)

A vivid new translation of selections from an inspiring guide to self-transformation through kindness by an eighth-century Buddhist monk

Written by the medieval Indian Buddhist monk Shantideva, The Bodhicaryavatara is one of the most beloved and frequently taught works in Buddhism and a favorite of the Dalai Lama. An inspiring and powerful poem that uses a gripping, first-person, confessional voice, it is the most systematic work of ethical thought in the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. And its invaluable insights, exhortations, and encouragements about how we can relieve suffering by becoming more caring and compassionate are universal. In How to Be Caring, philosopher and Buddhist scholar Jay Garfield presents a lively new translation of selected verses from Shantideva’s text that capture its powerful lessons for all of us. The result is the clearest, most concise, and most accessible introduction to this masterful Buddhist guidebook about how we can change the world by changing ourselves.

Focusing on the life of a bodhisattva, a person committed to attaining awakening for the benefit of all beings, Shantideva argues that the first step to reducing suffering and making the world better is to conquer our own psychopathologies. Urging us to remember that we won’t live forever and therefore need to think about what is most important, the work seeks to inspire us and teach us how to be more generous, thoughtful, polite, patient, committed, and self-aware. Featuring an introduction and the original Tibetan text on facing pages, this dazzling volume is filled with wisdom that still speaks directly to readers today.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[LPosse1 Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Be Caring by How to Be Caring

I’ve developed a bit of a love–hate relationship with these slim volumes from Princeton University Press. On one hand, they do something incredibly valuable: they take dense, ancient philosophical and religious texts and make them accessible to modern readers. On the other, they often leave me wanting more—like I’ve been given a taste, but not the full meal.

That said, How to Be Caring is one of the better entries in the series.

I first came across it through Massimo Pigliucci, whose work—especially his Substack—has been a gateway for me into both Stoicism and broader philosophical traditions. He has a real gift for making big ideas approachable, and this book fits right into that spirit.

This volume draws from the z sì secco Scarlett aa by Shantideva, an 8th-century Buddhist text that serves as a guide to compassion. Jay L. Garfield does an excellent job with the translation. It’s clear, readable, and—most importantly—practical. This isn’t abstract philosophy floating above your head; it’s grounded in how we actually treat others.

What stood out to me most is how directly Shantideva challenges the ego. The call to shift from self-centered thinking to genuine care for all sentient beings isn’t easy—but it’s powerful. There’s a humility and honesty here that reminded me of the best Stoic writing, just filtered through a different lens.

As someone still relatively new to the Bodhicaryavatara, I found Garfield’s introduction and postscript invaluable. They act as a guide rope, helping you navigate a text that could otherwise feel distant or overwhelming. I also appreciated having both the Sanskrit and English side by side—it adds a sense of authenticity, even if I’m not equipped to fully engage with the original language.

I paired the hardcover with the audiobook, which has become one of my favorite ways to absorb these kinds of texts. Reading and listening together helps the ideas stick—and more importantly, it helps them settle.

But here’s the rub: like many books in this series, it’s incomplete. You don’t get the full Bodhicaryavatara. And while I understand the goal—accessibility, a gateway, an invitation—I still can’t shake the feeling of being a bit shortchanged. These books open the door, but they don’t always let you walk all the way through.

That said, maybe that’s the point.

This book did exactly what it was supposed to do—it sparked something. It made me want to go deeper, to seek out the full text, to sit longer with these ideas of compassion and caring.

And in a world that could use a little more of both, that’s a pretty good place to start.
4 stars- audio and hard back book

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cursory overview of Shantideva’s text. I would have appreciated more context and a little more meat, but I enjoyed it after struggling to read the original.

[Taylor Swift Scholar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a comprehensive or straightforward translation of Shantideva — it is Garfield’s selections, curated and with extensive commentary. I thought that I would be annoyed, but this made the text and its meaning very accessible. I loved both Shantideva’s poetry and Garfield’s explanations. I put down this book genuinely wanting to be a better person.

[Teo · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025.12.31–2025.12.31

Contents

Shantideva & Garfield JL (trans.) (2025) (01:26) How to Be Caring - An Ancient Guide to a Compassionate Life

Introduction

1. First, keep this in mind: You will not live forever!
2. Next, think about what is most important!
3. Be generous!
4. Be thoughtful!
5. Be polite!
6. Be patient!
7. Be committed!
8. Remember who you are!
9. And seal it with a promise!

Note on the translation

[Amal Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

The source of all happiness lies in thinking of others. All the joy the world contains Has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. For a practitioner of love and compassion, an enemy is one of the most important teachers.

[Jessa Messina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of teachings from the bodhisattva, Shantideva. I thought I hadn't heard of him or his teachings until I realized they are some of the core tenants of the Mahayana path.
There seems to be some discrepancy on the Tibetan vs. Sanskrit version of this particular text but regardless the principles read beyond something rooted in Buddhism alone. This is such a universal set of virtues that bleed into almost any religion or philosophical theory on morality.

I loved the chapters breakdown, “be thoughtful, be generous, be committed, ect…” I found the "be patient" chapter on learning to give up anger unattainable. I don’t know if that’s just me or in 2026, we are in a reality where that isn't a needed virtue but rather part of the path itself. I guess that’s a moral quandary this book may be asking it's readers to contemplate.

This is a perfect easy read for anyone who wants to dip their toes into Buddhism. Jay Garfield created such an approachable translation. I’ve strayed from reading spiritual texts these last couple of years and this felt like this was the perfect re-entry It’s a very uplifting approach to humanity. This really altered my head space and I’m so glad I read it!

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to Shantideva. I recommend reading this inspiring book.

Sadly, I listened to the Audible edition. The narrator is capable, but someone told him it would be a good idea to read chapter and verse numbers aloud between sentences. I'm so glad the lectors don't do that during Bible readings in church.

The audiobook could be worthwhile listening as training in developing patience, if you read a hard copy of the "Patience" chapter first. Otherwise, just read the book.

[Gleb Berloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and inspiring translation of a timeless classic.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, not just to read but to take what the author is saying aboard about caring for others.
If we all did so, the world would be such a better place.
Easily one of the best and most inspiring books that I have ever read.