1) His Biography
Santideva, also known as Shantideva, was a prominent Buddhist philosopher and scholar who lived during the 8th century CE in India. Born in the kingdom of Saurastra, Santideva was ordained as a monk in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism. He became renowned for his profound understanding of Buddhist philosophy and his ability to articulate complex teachings in a simple and accessible manner.
Little is known about Santideva’s early life, but it is believed that he entered the monastic order at a young age and dedicated his life to the study and practice of Buddhism. He is said to have studied under eminent Buddhist masters of his time and excelled in various aspects of Buddhist philosophy, particularly in the teachings of the Bodhisattva path.
Santideva’s most famous work is the “Bodhicaryavatara” or “The Way of the Bodhisattva.” This text is considered a masterpiece of Mahayana literature and has had a profound impact on Buddhist thought and practice. In this work, Santideva expounds on the virtues and practices of a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being who vows to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
According to legend, Santideva faced many challenges and obstacles during his monastic life, including criticism from other monks and doubts about his own abilities. However, through his unwavering devotion to the Dharma and his profound insight, he overcame these difficulties and became a revered figure in the Buddhist tradition.
Santideva’s teachings emphasise the cultivation of compassion and the importance of selflessness. He encourages individuals to develop a genuine concern for the welfare of others and to cultivate loving-kindness, patience, and ethical conduct. Santideva also stresses the practice of meditation and mindfulness as a means to attain wisdom and liberation from suffering.
Despite his profound wisdom, Santideva remained humble and attributed his accomplishments to the blessings of his teachers and the guidance of the Buddhas. He exemplified the ideal of a Bodhisattva, dedicating his life to the service of others and the attainment of enlightenment.
2) Main Works
The Way of the Bodhisattva:
Santideva’s most famous and influential work, “The Way of the Bodhisattva,” is a poetic and philosophical masterpiece. It serves as a guide for aspiring Bodhisattvas, individuals who strive to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. This text explores the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, patience, ethical conduct, and wisdom, providing practical instructions for integrating these qualities into one’s daily life.
Compendium of Teachings:
“Compendium of Teachings” is a comprehensive compilation of various Buddhist teachings and scriptures. Santideva skillfully brings together diverse sources, presenting a range of topics related to the path of enlightenment. The text covers aspects such as meditation, ethical conduct, mindfulness, the nature of reality, and the importance of cultivating wholesome qualities.
Compendium of Sutras:
In this work, Santideva compiles and synthesises a collection of Buddhist sutras. He extracts essential teachings from numerous sutras, organising them thematically to present a comprehensive overview of the Buddha’s discourses. The “Compendium of Sutras” offers a valuable resource for students and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.
Santideva’s Autocommentary:
Santideva’s Autocommentary is a commentary on his own renowned work, “The Way of the Bodhisattva.” In this commentary, he provides further elucidation, clarifying the meaning and intention behind his verses. The Autocommentary serves as a valuable companion for readers seeking a deeper comprehension of the profound teachings presented in his magnum opus.
Compendium of Fields:
The “Compendium of Fields” explores the different types of beings and realms within Buddhist cosmology. Santideva presents detailed descriptions of various realms of existence, emphasising the impermanent and transient nature of all conditioned phenomena. This work serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating wisdom and compassion in the face of the inherent suffering of existence.
3) Main Themes
Bodhicitta: Bodhicitta is the altruistic aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Santideva’s teachings extensively focus on cultivating and nurturing bodhicitta as the guiding force on the path to liberation. He emphasises the development of compassion, loving-kindness, and the willingness to selflessly serve others.
Compassion and Loving-kindness: Santideva places great importance on compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) as essential qualities to be cultivated by practitioners. He encourages individuals to extend their compassion to all beings, recognizing their interconnectedness and the universal nature of suffering. Through the cultivation of compassion, one develops a deep sense of empathy and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
Ethical Conduct: Santideva emphasises the significance of ethical conduct (sila) in the pursuit of spiritual awakening. He elucidates the principles of moral discipline, encouraging practitioners to refrain from harming others, engage in virtuous actions, and cultivate ethical behaviour as a foundation for spiritual growth. Ethical conduct forms an integral part of the Bodhisattva’s path, supporting the development of wisdom and compassion.
Emptiness and Dependent Origination: Santideva delves into the profound concepts of emptiness (shunyata) and dependent origination (pratityasamutpada). He explores the interdependent nature of all phenomena and the absence of inherent existence. Santideva’s teachings on emptiness elucidate the illusory nature of the self and reality, guiding practitioners toward a deeper understanding of the nature of existence and the alleviation of suffering.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Santideva highlights the importance of meditation (dhyana) and mindfulness (sati) as transformative practices on the spiritual path. He elucidates various meditation techniques, emphasising the cultivation of focused attention, insight, and the development of wisdom. Santideva’s teachings encourage the integration of mindfulness into daily life, fostering awareness and clarity in all activities.
4) Who is Mahasiddha?
Mahasiddha, also known as Mahasiddha Siddhartha, refers to a revered figure in the traditions of Vajrayana Buddhism. The term “mahasiddha” translates to “great adept” or “accomplished master.” Mahasiddhas are highly realised individuals who have attained profound spiritual realisation and extraordinary powers through their dedicated practice of tantric methods.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the mahasiddhas are considered enlightened beings who have transcended conventional limitations and achieved direct insight into the nature of reality. They are revered as exemplars of spiritual attainment and are believed to have attained various levels of realisation, ranging from the realisation of emptiness to the attainment of ultimate enlightenment.
The mahasiddhas originated in the Indian subcontinent, and their teachings and practices spread throughout the Himalayan regions and beyond. They emerged during the mediaeval period, between the 8th and 12th centuries, and their legacy continues to influence Vajrayana Buddhist traditions to this day.
The mahasiddhas were known for their unconventional and often eccentric behaviour, challenging societal norms and traditional religious practices. They were renowned for their mastery of meditation, yoga, mantra recitation, and other esoteric practices, which enabled them to attain extraordinary states of consciousness and supernatural abilities.
Each mahasiddha had a unique and individualised approach to spiritual practice, often employing unorthodox methods to dismantle conceptual limitations and directly experience the nature of mind. They were known for their ability to transmit profound teachings through spontaneous songs and poetic verses, which served as potent vehicles for spiritual realisation.
The stories and legends surrounding the mahasiddhas depict their attainment of siddhis (supernatural powers) and their ability to traverse different realms of existence. They were said to have the power to heal, to subdue negative forces, and to guide others on the path to enlightenment.
The teachings of the mahasiddhas emphasise the direct realisation of the nature of mind, the non-dual nature of reality, and the integration of wisdom and compassion. They embody the ideal of the realised practitioner who lives in the world while maintaining a profound understanding of ultimate truth.
5) Santideva as a Mahasiddha
It’s important to note that Santideva is not traditionally regarded as one of the mahasiddhas within the context of Vajrayana Buddhism. The term “mahasiddha” is primarily associated with a specific group of tantric practitioners who emerged during the mediaeval period in India. These mahasiddhas were known for their unique methods and extraordinary attainments in the realms of meditation, yoga, and esoteric practices.
However, Santideva is widely recognized as a great Buddhist philosopher, scholar, and practitioner within the Mahayana tradition. His writings, particularly “The Way of the Bodhisattva,” have had a profound influence on Buddhist thought and practice.
Santideva’s teachings emphasise the cultivation of compassion, wisdom, and the development of bodhicitta—the altruistic aspiration for enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. His profound insights into the nature of reality, ethics, and the path to liberation have made him an important figure in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
While Santideva’s contributions to Buddhist philosophy and ethics are highly regarded, his approach differs from the unconventional methods and supernatural attainments associated with the mahasiddhas. Santideva’s emphasis lies more on the cultivation of virtues, ethical conduct, and the integration of compassion and wisdom as the means to alleviate suffering and attain enlightenment.
6) His Legacy
Santideva’s legacy is profound and far-reaching, with his teachings and writings continuing to inspire and guide Buddhist practitioners across the globe. His emphasis on compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct has had a transformative impact on the way Buddhism is understood and practised within the Mahayana tradition.
One of the greatest contributions of Santideva lies in his magnum opus, “The Way of the Bodhisattva.” This text remains an influential guide for those seeking to cultivate bodhicitta, the altruistic aspiration for enlightenment. Santideva’s teachings within the text offer practical advice on how to develop virtues such as compassion, patience, and ethical conduct in order to benefit all sentient beings. Its poetic and profound verses continue to resonate with practitioners, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance.
Santideva’s emphasis on the cultivation of compassion and the importance of selfless action has had a lasting impact on Buddhist ethics. His teachings remind individuals of the significance of extending loving-kindness and care to all beings, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and unity. This emphasis on compassion and ethical conduct has influenced the development of various Buddhist schools and has served as a guiding principle for practitioners dedicated to alleviating suffering in the world.
Furthermore, Santideva’s teachings on emptiness and dependent origination have contributed to the understanding of the nature of reality within the Mahayana tradition. His elucidation of these profound concepts has deepened practitioners’ insights into the illusory nature of the self and the interconnectedness of all phenomena. Santideva’s teachings on emptiness have guided practitioners toward a profound understanding of the ultimate nature of existence and the cessation of suffering.
Santideva’s legacy extends beyond his writings to the embodiment of the Bodhisattva ideal in his own life. Despite facing challenges and doubts, Santideva remained dedicated to the path of awakening and the service of others. His humility, devotion, and unwavering commitment to the Dharma serve as an inspiration to practitioners, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and wisdom in one’s spiritual journey.
The teachings of Santideva continue to be studied, commented upon, and practised by scholars, monastics, and lay practitioners alike. His profound insights into the human condition, the cultivation of virtue, and the path to liberation provide guidance and inspiration for individuals seeking to live a life of meaning and purpose. Santideva’s legacy serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom of Buddhism and its capacity to bring about profound transformation in individuals and society.