For the Benefit of All Beings: A Commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva

by H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, James Gimian (Read by), Wulstan Fletcher (Read by), Padmakara Translation Group (Translator)

Overview

The Dalai Lama explains how to follow the spiritual path of the bodhisattva, offering his commentary on Shantideva's beloved Buddhist text

The fourteenth Dalai Lama, a living embodiment of the bodhisattva ideal, presents here detailed practical guidance based on sections of The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva, the best-known text of Mahayana Buddhism. The Dalai Lama explains this classic and beloved work, showing how anyone can develop a truly "good heart" and the aspiration for the enlightenment of all beings. In this book, the Dalai Lama's profound knowledge is evident—the result of extensive training. Here he shares his extraordinary insight into the human condition and what it means to be a responsible and caring person.
 
This book was previously published under the title A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781590306932
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	04/21/2009
Series:	Shambhala Classics
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is considered the foremost Buddhist leader of our time. The exiled spiritual head of the Tibetan people, he is a Nobel Peace Laureate, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and a remarkable teacher and scholar who has authored over one hundred books.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“On many levels, the book is splendid as both an introduction to Buddhist spirituality and an explication of Shantideva for contemporary Westerners.”—Library Journal

“One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of the teachings and the simplicity of the life presented here. Indeed, non-Buddhists may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of ‘love your neighbor,’ and ‘do unto others.’”—Booklist

Editorial Reviews

On many levels, the book is splendid as both an introduction to Buddhist spirituality and an explication of Shantideva for contemporary Westerners.”—Library Journal


“One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of the teachings and the simplicity of the life presented here. Indeed, non-Buddhists may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of ‘love your neighbor,’ and ‘do unto others.’”—Booklist

From the Publisher

The Nobel laureate/Buddhist leader adds to his growing body of best-selling works with this insightful, relevant, and uplifting commentary on one of the best-known texts of Mahayana Buddhism. Shambhala Sun magazine publisher James Gimian (commentary) and translator Wulstan Fletcher (quotes from the titular work) read; the dual voices help to differentiate between his Holiness's commentary and the text itself. This is not leisurely listening material and may be especially challenging to those unfamiliar with the original text or the basic tenets of Buddhism. For Buddhists, students of religion, and those interested in advanced religious materials.—Emma Duncan, Brampton Lib., Ont.

Library Journal

The Dalai Lama selects portions of this Buddhist classic on which to provide commentary. As is well suited to a commentary, this production uses two narrators: Wulstan Fletcher presents the text, which is followed by the commentary presented by James Gimian. The contrast in narrators is particularly helpful when the commentary engages in a dialogue with the text. The text is one of the primary teachings on the Buddhist path to becoming a Bodhisattva and living a life of generosity and compassion. The commentary represents teachings of the Dalai Lama as presented in a week-long retreat on the text. This audiobook is well suited to self-study or a study group. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

JULY 2009 - AudioFile