We have a major new translation to be available on June 3 - Sonam Tsemo's (1142-1182) commentary on Śāntideva's classic guide to the Buddhist path, the Bodhicaryāvatāra or 'Entering the Bodhisattva Conduct'. Sonam Tsemo's commentary, reflecting his many years of study with philosophical luminaries like Chapa Chokyi Sengge, stands today as one of the pinnacles of Sakya scholarship. This edition also contains a complete translation of the Bodhicaryāvatāra itself, so it can be read together with its commentary, with consistency across both texts.
Translated by Adrian O'Sullivan, a student of Lama Jampa Thaye for over two decades and a director of Sakya Samten Ling in Santa Monica, California, his previous translations include Tsarchen Losal Gyamtso's 'Opening the Door to Precious Accomplishments' (2005), 'Telescope of Wisdom' (2009) and 'The Lamp that Dispels Darkness' (2013), the latter two being translations of commentaries composed by the great Sakya and Karma Kagyu master Karma Thinley Rinpoche.
A couple of endorsements:
- Lama Jampa ThayeI am delighted to welcome the appearance of this major work of Buddhist scholarship in English translation. It is the fruit of several years of labour by the translator, Adrian O’Sullivan, who has already established himself as one of the new generation of Buddhist practitioner/translators. It is my prayer that this English translation contributes greatly to the flourishing of our great Sakya tradition in the West for the benefit of all beings.
- Sam van Schaik, translator of 'The Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism' (2018) and author of 'Tibet: A History' (2013)Sonam Tsemo wrote his commentary to the Bodhicaryavatara in the twelfth century to demonstrate to Tibetan Buddhists of the time how this important text fits into the Mahayana path of philosophy and practice. Adrian O'Sullivan's clear and precise translation accomplishes the same thing for modern English-speaking Buddhists. With section overviews that make the structure of the commentary clear, a guide to the Tibetan system of logic, and extensive notes drawing on other Indian texts and Tibetan commentaries, this is an exemplary translation of a key text for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
https://www.amazon.com/Bodhicaryavatara ... 733556001/
https://store.bookbaby.com/bookshop/boo ... Commentary
We hope this contributes something to the spread of our wonderful Sakya tradition in the English-speaking world!
If anyone has questions about the book, I would be happy to answer.
Cheers