Guide to the Bodhisattvas

by Vessantara

When we meet with one of the Bodhisattvas—whether in a painting or sculpture or visualized in meditation—we are brought face to face with a being that embodies Enlightenment. An encounter with such a figure is likely to move us far more deeply than a list of the qualities of someone who is enlightened. Bodhisattvas, or “Enlightenment Beings,” are dedicated to one helping ordinary people on the path towards Enlightenment. The bodhisattvas know that they do not live alone; they are not apart from the rest of life. Seeking Enlightenment for themselves alone can never satisfy bodhisattvas as they witness the suffering that is all around. Their vision is to work endlessly in the service of living beings, helping them achieve Enlightenment. This guide introduces a panoply of these figures, superheroes all, brilliant and beautiful, from the vast array that exists in the Buddhist tradition. Meet Tara, the rescuer; Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom; Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion; and others. Meeting them, we are touched by their qualities; seeing them in our mind’s eye, we can be transformed. This is fascinating reading that is written with a lightness of touch that really brings it to life. A much published and well-respected Buddhist author, meditator, and teacher, Vessantara is a senior member of the Western Buddhist Order. He holds a particular love for Tibetan Buddhism and the associated visualization practices, and he is also well-known as an effective storyteller.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[C. Varn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide but doesn't cover key bodhisattvas as much as one would like and spends a lot of time on visualization practice.

[Suvarghya Dutta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading this. I was inspired to read this book after having read the third part of this series, a guide to the deities of the Tantra, by the same author.

Somewhere i feel that the element of captivating storytelling is not very prevalent in this particular book as compared to the deities of the Tantra.

This book is also engaging and it shares many valuable information about the Bodhisattvas but somewhere it lacks the element of grip that the third part had exercised.

Overall i still find this book to be a good reading back in my personal opinion it is not at par with the third book of the same series.

I have now started reading the first part of this series which is title a guide to the Buddhas. I will post a review once i have completed reading it.

[Blanca Ivonne Montaño Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesantes arquetipos que te acercan al dharma.
La simbología de cada uno de ellos te permite entender lo que es la compasión, la sabiduría y la fuerza para vencer los estados torpes de la mente y alcanzar la iluminación en el beneficio de todos los seres.
Combinado con los mantras realmente me gustó. Me quedo con Vajrapani. Mi favorito.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expansive and informative overview of some of the primary bodhisattvas. The personal relationships Vessantra has developed and experienced with some bodhisattvas inspires me to deeper practices.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to the Bodhisattvas (Enlightened Beings) who are supposed to help people to attain enlightenment.

It is very much an introduction and beginner guide. Apparently there are 100s of these figures, and - depending on which tradition you follow - they aren't all called the same thing. This book covers what the author considers to be the main ones, from which the others follow if one is so inclined to learn about them. I imagine this to be no mean undertaking!

I really enjoyed reading this, learning a little bit about the ones chosen for this study, and adding a little bit of knowledge to the little bit I had :)