Spirituality

The Way of the Bodhisattva: 6 key ideas

by Shantideva

The core ideas of The Way of the Bodhisattva, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Cover your feet, not the world

   You can't cover the whole earth with leather to protect your feet, but you can wear sandals.

   In the same way, you can't control everything around you, but you can guard your own mind.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Why worry?

   If a problem can be solved, there is no need to worry; just act.

   If it can't be solved, worrying won't help. Either way, worry adds suffering without changing anything.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Patience is the strongest armour

   Shantideva saw anger as the force that burns up our goodness fastest, and patience as its antidote.

   A patient mind can't easily be pushed around by others.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Everyone wants to be happy

   Every being wants happiness and doesn't want pain, just like you.

   Seeing others this way makes their suffering feel as real as your own, and kindness follows.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   The difficult person as teacher

   Someone who wrongs us gives us a rare chance to practise patience.

   Seen this way, even a hard person becomes a kind of teacher.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Effort that delights

   Real diligence is not grim willpower; it is taking delight in doing good.

   When effort comes from joy, it lasts.