Shantideva’s The Bodhisattva Way of Life is one of Buddhism’s most cherished and transformative texts—a rare blend of wisdom, courage, radical compassion, and unapologetic honesty about what it means to serve others in a messy, complicated world. Across centuries, practitioners have returned to this text not only for insight, but for orientation:

• How do we keep our hearts open when life is difficult?
• How do we work for the benefit of others without burning out?
• How do we walk the Bodhisattva path with steadiness, spaciousness, and clarity?

This ongoing evening course, taught by Ven. Amy Miller, offers a fresh, accessible commentary on Shantideva’s teachings, making them immediately relevant to modern practitioners—especially those who have taken the Bodhisattva vows or who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Shantideva’s genius lies in how directly he speaks to the real challenges of the path: frustration, fear, self-doubt, impatience, and discouragement. And his antidotes—joyful effort, ethical clarity, patience, compassion, and the profound view of emptiness—remain some of the most precise tools for anyone aspiring to live with purpose and serve others wisely.

This course is especially suited for students with some background in Buddhism who want to deepen their understanding of the Bodhisattva ideal and strengthen the qualities that sustain long-term service: resilience, clarity, compassion, and steadiness of heart.

Text: Master Shantideva’s The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life [Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra (Entering the Bodhisattva Conduct) or Bodhicaryāvatāra (Entering the Bodhi Way)]

SERIES DATES: Wednesday evenings
April 29, May 13, 20, 27 (block 1),
June 03, 10, 17, 24 (block 2) (continuing next season in September)
TIME: 7.00 – 8.30pm CET
WHERE: Maitreya Inst, Amsterdam and via Zoom.