Virtuous Bodies

This work examines the role of bodies in Buddhist ethics, highlighting their significance in moral development and transformation, particularly through the lens of bodhisattvas and their impact on others.

Virtuous Bodies delves into the intricate relationship between the physical form and ethical development within Buddhist ethics. Traditionally, there has been a strong link between one's body and moral standing in Buddhist thought, where descriptions of beings often reflect their ethical state—be it through sin, vice, or virtue. Susanne Mrozik centers her analysis on an influential early medieval Indian Mahāyāna text, Śāntideva's Compendium of Training (Śikṣāsamuccaya), to illustrate how Buddhists perceived ethical growth as a transformative journey involving both physical and moral dimensions.

Mrozik's choice of Compendium of Training is particularly significant due to its extensive references to over one hundred Buddhist scriptures, which allows for a broader exploration of the ethical implications of the body in Buddhist practice. This text serves as a guide for bodhisattvas, particularly those in monastic life, highlighting how bodies can act as indicators and facilitators of ethical progress. Notably, the book emphasizes that virtuous bodies not only reflect individual ethical development but also play a crucial role in uplifting others. When individuals encounter the virtuous forms of bodhisattvas, they experience both physical and moral enhancement.

Through Virtuous Bodies, Mrozik engages with thought-provoking questions about the nature of virtue and its embodiment. She examines what constitutes a virtuous body and the impact such bodies have on others. By incorporating contemporary theoretical perspectives and employing a feminist lens, the book offers valuable insights into the ethical resources within Buddhism, making it a significant contribution for both scholars and practitioners interested in the embodied aspects of ethical ideals.