The Path of Light

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Path of Light

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Translated by L.D. Barnett, this 1909 volume presents the Mahayana Buddhist treatise *Bodhicaryavatara* by Santideva. It explores the path to enlightenment through the perfection of wisdom and compassion, offering a profound guide to overcoming ego and suffering.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Path of Light*, English orientalist L.D. Barnett presents a translation of Santideva's *Bodhicaryavatara*, introducing Western readers to the foundational tenets of Mahayana Buddhism. The work argues that true salvation is not found in individual liberation but in the altruistic aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Barnett contextualizes this philosophy within the history of Indian thought, contrasting the Buddha's rejection of a permanent soul with traditional Hindu views. He explains that the Buddha denied the existence of a permanent self or God, positing instead that consciousness is a series of causally connected instants. This denial aims to remove the moral weakness rooted in the concept of 'I am,' thereby eliminating selfish desire, which is the root of all evil. The text is structured around the 'Perfections' or virtues essential for the Bodhisattva, including generosity, morality, patience, and wisdom. A central theme is the practice of 'long-suffering,' where the practitioner cultivates patience to endure insults and pain without retaliation. Barnett elucidates that such suffering serves to purify past karma and reduce the ego. The work emphasizes that anger and hatred are destructive forces that hinder spiritual progress, whereas compassion and the realization of the 'Void'—the emptiness of inherent self—lead to peace. Barnett includes extensive notes explaining Sanskrit terms, philosophical concepts like *Pratītyasamutpāda* (dependent origination), and references to other Buddhist schools, ensuring the text remains accessible while maintaining its doctrinal depth. The book serves as an ambassador of good-will between East and West, aiming to revive a true spirit of charity and understanding. Through the 'Noble Path of Eight Members' and the understanding of karma, the text guides readers toward a spiritual calm and purity that constitutes salvation, urging the abandonment of selfish individualism for universal knowledge and sympathy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy