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54 EASTERN HORIZON | BOOKS IN BRIEF

BOOKS IN BRIEF

Shantideva. Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva. A Sarah Shaw, The Art of Listening. A Guide to

New Translation and Contemporary Guide. Translated the Early Teachings of Buddhism. 2021. pp 291.
with commentary by Khenpo David Karma Choephel. US$18.95.
2021. pp289. US$21.95.
The Art of Listening gives an introduction to
This is a fresh translation of, and commentary the Dīghanikāya and demonstrates the historical,
on, Entering the Way of the Bodhisattva, perhaps cultural, and spiritual insights that emerge when
the most renowned and thorough articulation of we view the Buddhist suttas (in Sanskrit, sutras) as
the bodhisattva path. Written by the eighth-century oral literature. The Dīghanikāya or Long Discourses
Indian monk Shantideva, it is a guide to becoming a of the Buddha is one of the four major collections
bodhisattva, someone who is dedicated to achieving of teachings from the early period of Buddhism. Its
enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. The thirty-four suttas demonstrate remarkable breadth
text is here translated by Khenpo David Karma in both content and style, forming a comprehensive
Choephel who expertly communicates the power of collection.
Shantideva’s insights through careful attention to
both the meaning and the rhythmic pulse of each
stanza, all the while providing necessary context and Each sutta of the Dīghanikāya is a paced,
practical advice for modern readers. rhythmic composition that evolved and passed
intergenerationally through chanting. For hundreds
After presenting the full translation, Khenpo David of years, these timeless teachings were never written
introduces the text, explaining the key points of down. Examining twelve suttas of the Dīghanikāya,
each chapter with clarity and wisdom. Combining a scholar Sarah Shaw combines a literary approach and
uniquely poetic translation with detailed analysis, a personal one, based on her experiences carefully
this book is a comprehensive guide to becoming a studying, hearing, and chanting the texts.
Bodhisattva. Teachings that have been at the heart
of Mahayana practice for centuries are given new At once sophisticated and companionable, The Art
life, and the supporting commentary makes the text of Listening will introduce you to the diversity and
accessible and applicable to practitioners. Readers beauty of the early Buddhist suttas. The author
interested in the bodhisattva path will find this a also shows us that the Buddha’s discourses are also
comprehensive resource filled with captivating verse Buddhist practices, and that listening can be a form
and incisive interpretations. EH of meditation. EH