Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path

[Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path] is precisely cut, with careful attention to canonical and secondary literature and clean articulation of arguments underpinned by meticulous philology. It is deeply colored by attention to the larger ethical and moral psychological issues Santideva raises. It is beautifully clear, written in an accessible prose style that makes Santideva’s project accessible to any reader, presupposing no background in Buddhist philosophy. And it is comprehensive, addressing Santideva’s system in its entirety. This volume will hence be of enormous value to ethicists who want to learn something about Buddhist ethics, to Buddhist Studies scholars who want to talk to their philosopher colleagues, and to teachers who want to address Buddhist philosophy ... Those coming to Buddhist ethics, or to Santideva’s texts for the first time—whether as students or as philosophers new to this area—will find it a lucid and reliable guide to the Guide. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
This is an essential companion to the study of the most influential treatise on ethics in Mahayana Buddhism. Harris clarifies the logic of Santideva's moral theory and demonstrates convincingly the foundational role of virtue in his conception of well-being. * Damien Keown, Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Ethics, University of London Goldsmiths, UK *
In developing a case for a virtue-theoretic interpretation of Santideva’s Bodhicaryavatara, Stephen Harris sheds considerable light on the overall structure of this key text of Mahayana ethics. This will be a welcome addition to the growing body of literature on the topic. * Mark Siderits, Emeritus Professor, Illinois State University, USA *
Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara is the most extensive and profound articulation of Mahayana Buddhist ethical thought, and is a masterpiece of moral psychology that should be studied by anyone interested in human ethical cultivation or in ethical theory. Stephen Harris's study of this text provides the contemporary reader with the means to enter into Santideva's project, to read and to understand his arguments, and to appreciate his vision of moral excellence and the path to achieving that excellence. The exposition is always clear and reliable, while remaining precise and philologically rigorous, with careful attention to other recent literature. Harris' interpretation is compelling, and he places Santideva in conversation with contemporary metaethical theory and moral psychology with great skill. This book is an enormous contribution to Buddhist Studies and to Ethical theory, and will be of great value to students and to neophytes in Buddhist ethical thought as well as to scholars immersed in Mahayana studies. * Jay L Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy and Buddhist Studies, Smith College, USA *
With clear and insightful analysis, Harris brings Santideva’s Guide into conversation with contemporary philosophical ethics, showing how compassion can complement self-interest, emphasizing the sociality and rationality of the bodhisattva ideal. This is a landmark contribution to the philosophical study of Buddhist ethics, a rich resource for students, scholars, and practitioners. * William Edelglass, Director of Studies, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies USA and Associate Professor, Emerson College, USA *