Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path: Santideva on Virtue and Well-Being

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Santidevas 8th century Mahayana Buddhist classic, the Guide to the Practices of Awakening (Bodhicaryavatara), has been a source of philosophical inspiration in the Indian and Tibetan traditions for over a thousand years. Stephen Harris guides us through a philosophical exploration of Santidevas masterpiece, introducing us to his understanding of the compassionate bodhisattva, who vows to liberate the entire universe from suffering. Individual chapters provide studies of the bodhisattva virtues of generosity, patience, compassion and wisdom, illustrating the role each plays in Santidevas account of well-being and moral development. Harris also provides in-depth analysis of many of Santidevas most influential arguments, illustrating how he employs reasoning as a method to cultivate moral character. As the first book-length English language philosophical study of Santidevas most influential text, this will be essential reading for students and scholars of Buddhist ethics, as well as for anyone interested in intercultural ethics and the philosophy of well-being.

Author Bio

Stephen Harris is Lecturer at Leiden Universitys Institute for Philosophy, the Netherlands.