Bodhisattvas, the great beings of Mahayana Buddhism, are those who have generated bodhicitta, resolving to gain enlightenment in order to bring about lasting happiness for all living beings. This volume of oral teachings by Geshe Sonam Rinchen explains the altruistic wish to attain enlightenment and the precepts of training which accompany it. Implementing the resolve to gain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures involves engaging in the marvelous activities of Bodhisattvas. In order to engage in these activities and live the life of an authentic Bodhisattva, one takes the Bodhisattva vow.

The Bodhisattva Vow, Geshe Sonam Rinchen, Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 235 pp , $22.95

Sonam was raised in Ireland and graduated from Oxford University with an M.A. in Modern Languages. She began studying with Geshe Sonam Rinchen in 1978 and has worked as his interpreter since 1983.

The Heart of Mahayana Practice	7
How to Develop the Altruistic Intention	21
Cultivating Loving Affection	35
Love and Compassion	49
Transforming Attitudes	63
How to Hold the Altruistic Intention	81
The Ethical Discipline of Bodhisattvas	99
Commentary on Chandragomin's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow	115
Text of the Twenty Verses in English and Tibetan	166
Appendices
A Traditional Biography of Chandragomin	181
The Seven-part Practice from The King of Prayers	187
The Eighteen Downfalls and Forty-six Faulty Actions	191
Notes	195
Source Readings	237

The Heart of Mahayana Practice	7
How to Develop the Altruistic Intention	21
Cultivating Loving Affection	35
Love and Compassion	49
Transforming Attitudes	63
How to Hold the Altruistic Intention	81
The Ethical Discipline of Bodhisattvas	99
Commentary on Chandragomin's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow	115
Text of the Twenty Verses in English and Tibetan	166
Appendices
A Traditional Biography of Chandragomin	181
The Seven-part Practice from The King of Prayers	187
The Eighteen Downfalls and Forty-six Faulty Actions	191
Notes	195
Source Readings	237

The Heart of Mahayana Practice	7
How to Develop the Altruistic Intention	21
Cultivating Loving Affection	35
Love and Compassion	49
Transforming Attitudes	63
How to Hold the Altruistic Intention	81
The Ethical Discipline of Bodhisattvas	99
Commentary on Chandragomin's Twenty Verses on the Bodhisattva Vow	115
Text of the Twenty Verses in English and Tibetan	166
Appendices
A Traditional Biography of Chandragomin	181
The Seven-part Practice from The King of Prayers	187
The Eighteen Downfalls and Forty-six Faulty Actions	191
Notes	195
Source Readings	237