How to be Caring – An Ancient Guide to a Compassionate Life

This book presents selections from the classic eighth century Buddhist text How to Live an Awakened Life, effectively a guide to becoming a Bodhisattva. Shantideva writes explicitly to himself, but by implication to the reader in a direct style. The seven chapters first remind us that we will not live forever, and of the need to think about what is most important in life. Then we are encouraged to be generous, thoughtful, polite, patient, and committed initially, the author distinguishes between aspirational and engaged resolve in bringing an end to the suffering of all beings. Real fulfilment comes through the practice of virtue rather than indulgence and pleasure – see also the review immediately above. Generosity helps free us from attachment, beginning with giving away one’s vegetables. In speaking about mindfulness, he recommends staying still like a block of wood, and warns of the dangers of anger. The ultimate injunction is to remember that all beings suffer like we do and that we should exert ourselves to benefit others.