Bodhichitta, the altruistic wish to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment, is at the heart of all Buddhist practices. The most highly regarded and popular text for this is The Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Shantideva.

The Bodhisattva is one who has achieved complete realization, but remains in order to benefit beings. The text is based on the core practices of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. It has been described as "the essence of all of Buddhism."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says that his religion is lovingkindness and compassion, an expresssion of action Bodhicitta to benefit all beings.

In Part 2 of this course, we examine Chapter 9 - the wisdom chapter - of the Bodhicharyavatara as described and commented upon by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Practicing Wisdom (the text for this course). This is considered to be the most difficult chapter in the text. Shantideva makes reference to various philosophical schools in India from his time and takes them on in a manner similar to that of Nagarjuna in his Middle Way (Madhyamaka) writings. PREREQUISITE: Bodhisattva's Way of Life Part 1.