The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas

This wondrous book contains the original teachings of Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo, a 14th-century Buddhist sage who wrote the original verses of the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattvas, which form the core of this collection. Sangpo's simple verses summarize the essence of the Buddhist teaching of bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas are teachers who have received enlightenment, but who have postponed nirvana in order to remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment. The way of the bodhisattvas is the essence of altruism, and it is a spiritual path of enormous power and transcendent love. Sangpo's ancient text is surrounded here by the commentary of Geshe Sonam Rinchen, a revered contemporary Buddhist sage who is currently resident scholar at the library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharmasala, India. Ruth Sonam, Geshe Sonam Rinchen's interpreter and translator, has captured his words in lucid prose that reveals a deep message of the Buddhist path of love and wisdom. (Apr.)