Questions on the Bodhicharyavatara

Study Questions on the Bodhicharyavatara - Here you can test your knowledge of Shantideva's classic text, the Bodhicharyavatara.

General/Introduction

• What does the title Bodhicharyavatara mean?
• The first three verses of the text contain four important points. What are they?
• Give the outline of the main body of the text according to the four-line bodhichitta prayer.
• How do the ten chapters of the text relate to the six paramitas?

Chapter 1

• Give the general structure for the first chapter.
• What is the purpose of this chapter?
• Why is Bodhichitta superior to all other virtues?
• What happens to our identity when we give rise to Bodhichitta?
• Give the five examples (or images) which describe the benefits of Bodhichitta.
• What do these examples mean?
• What is the limit to the merit of bodhichitta in aspiration?
• How are benefits of bodhichitta proved by scripture?
• What is reasoning which demonstrates the benefit of bodhichitta in aspiration?
• Why a person who practices bodhichitta is great?
• How can it be that to harm a bodhisattva leads to rebirth in hell but yet any connection with a bodhisattva is beneficial?
• What is the point of reflecting on the benefits of bodhichitta?