This book presents is the very famous text called Entering the Conduct of a Bodhisatva, composed by the Indian Buddhist master Shantideva. Many places in Shantideva’s text need explanation, especially in the ninth chapter, therefore commentaries have been written by Indian and Tibetan masters to explain the text. An excellent commentary coming from the Tibetan side is Entering the Conduct of a Bodhisatva with an Interspersed Commentary Called A Lamp for the Path of the Middle Way composed by the Tibetan Buddhist master Padma Karpo. Padma Karpo’s commentary is also featured in this book.

Several books have become available that simply present an English translation of Shantideva’s text. This book goes further. Firstly, it provides a plain English translation of Shantideva’s text without the footnotes and so forth that tend to obscure it. Secondly, it provides a complete commentary to the text so that its meaning can be studied and understood. Thus it is a rich resource that provides both for those wanting simply to read and recite Shantideva’s text and those wanting to study its meaning.

Shantideva’s text details the conduct to be followed by a person who wishes to attain true complete enlightenment. It was written during his stay at the famous Buddhist university of India called Nalanda. When he first recited the text to the masters and students of the university they were amazed by its beautiful composition and expert treatment of the topic. Since then it has only increased in fame and is now regarded as one of the essential texts to be studied by anyone who wishes to follow the path to complete enlightenment.