"The enigmatic figure of Santideva and his seminal work on the character traits of the bodhisattva, the Bodhisattvacaryavatara , lie at the heart of Mahayana Buddhism. This collection is essential reading for anyone interested in the cumulative tradition that surrounds both. Bringing together scholars from different disciplines, with diverse perspectives, it sheds new light on Santideva's work, demonstrating its relevance not only within Buddhist Studies but also within cultural history, feminist studies and interreligious contexts. I highly recommend it." -- Dr Elizabeth J. Harris, University of Birmingham, President of the UK Association for Buddhist Studies, United Kingdom "Some of the foremost scholars of the Bodhicaryavatara have come together to make this provocative and illuminating volume a unique contribution to understanding Santideva. They show readers how Santideva takes up classical Buddhist ideas and how he influenced later traditions, as well as exploring his social context and bringing him into conversation with other traditions. The essays collected here chart new territory in Santideva scholarship and will be of benefit to students, scholars, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of Santideva's approach to Buddhist thought and practice.

" -- William Edelglass Director of Studies Barre Center for Buddhist Studies s social context and bringing him into conversation with other traditions. The essays collected here chart new territory in Santideva scholarship and will be of benefit to students, scholars, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of Santideva's approach to Buddhist thought and practice." -- William Edelglass Director of Studies Barre Center for Buddhist Studies s social context and bringing him into conversation with other traditions. The essays collected here chart new territory in Santideva scholarship and will be of benefit to students, scholars, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of Santideva's approach to Buddhist thought and practice." -- William Edelglass Director of Studies Barre Center for Buddhist Studies s social context and bringing him into conversation with other traditions. The essays collected here chart new territory in Santideva scholarship and will be of benefit to students, scholars, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of Santideva's approach to Buddhist thought and practice." -- William Edelglass Director of Studies Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.