Shantideva’s “Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds”

May I be a protector for those who are without protectors,
a guide for travelers, and a boat, a bridge,
and a ship for those who wish to cross over.

May I be a lamp for those who seek light,
a bed for those who seek rest,
and may I be a servant for all beings who desire a servant.

— Chapter Three, Verses 17-18, Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds

Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds, written by Shantideva in the 8th century, is credited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as having the greatest influence of any teaching on his development of bodhicitta. At Sravasti Abbey, this text is read aloud every year on Christmas Day.

Teachings highlighted in bold are listed at the bottom of the page.

Who it's for

Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds is a text that lends itself to study by new and seasoned Dharma practitioners alike. It covers all the practices necessary to progress on the path to full awakening in an easy-to-read format with stark imagery and reasonings to inspire and transform the mind.

About Shantideva

Shantideva, who lived in 8th-century ancient India, was born into a royal family and was set to assume the throne after his father. However, motivated to be of greatest benefit to all sentient beings, Shantideva left the royal life and entered monastic life at the renowned Nalanda Monastery.

Shantideva practiced and studied secretly at the monastery, such that his fellow monks thought he only did three things: eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom. Frustrated with his seeming lack of dedication to the Dharma, Shantideva’s peers invited him to teach—his expected failure would be a sufficient reason to kick him out of the monastery.

To start the teaching, Shantideva asked the audience if they wanted to hear something old or something new. When they asked for something new, Shantideva recited Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds, which he had just composed. He then left the teaching hall. The poem’s depth of insight into both bodhicitta and emptiness inspired the monks to chase after him and beg him to write down the text.

Teachings

Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche (1935-2022), following the commentary by Gyaltsab Je (1364–1432), gave teachings on Shantideva at Sravasti Abbey between 2007 and 2010: Shantideva Teachings with Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche (2007-2010).

In 2009,  Geshe Lhundup Sopa (1923–2014) gave a series of teachings on Chapter 6, which explains  how to work with anger: Shantideva Teachings with Geshe Lhundup Sopa (2009).

Venerable Thubten Chodron has offered the following teachings on Shantideva’s text.

• Thursday morning teachings, which are streamed live from Sravasti Abbey: Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds (2020-present)

• Annual teachings on Shantideva’s text organized by Pureland Marketing in Singapore: Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds (Singapore 2006-Present)

• Teachings on Chapter 6 given in Mexico in April 2015: Working with Anger and Developing Fortitude (Mexico 2015)

If there is a remedy, then what is the use of frustration?
If there is no remedy, then what is the use of frustration?

There is nothing whatsoever that remains difficult as one gets used to it.
Thus, through habituation with slight pain, even great pain becomes bearable.

— Chapter Six, Verses 10 & 14, Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds