Chapter 1: The Excellence of Bodhicitta

1. How does Śāntideva describe the qualities and benefits of Bodhicitta? Reflect on how these benefits could transform a practitioner’s life.
2. What is the relationship between Bodhicitta and compassion as outlined in this chapter? How do these interlink in your understanding or practice?
3. How might the arising of Bodhicitta be understood as both a personal and universal phenomenon?

Comments: These questions are designed to deepen the understanding of Bodhicitta’s significance, inviting personal reflection on its transformative power and universal relevance. It’s helpful to bring real-life examples into these reflections.

Chapter 2: Confession of Faults

1. Why is confession seen as an essential part of the path to cultivating Bodhicitta?
2. How does the practice of confession in Buddhism differ from practices in other spiritual traditions?
3. How can you relate to the verses where Śāntideva expresses his personal remorse?

Comments: Exploring confession through these questions can connect students to the ethical foundation of the path and inspire humility. Comparing it to familiar practices can make the teachings relatable.

Chapter 3: Taking Hold of Bodhicitta

1. What does it mean to take the Bodhisattva vow? How might this commitment shape a practitioner’s life?
2. How does Śāntideva describe the aspiration and engagement forms of Bodhicitta? Can you identify where you are in this process?
3. What practical steps can be taken to cultivate the courage needed to uphold the Bodhisattva vow?

Comments: These questions encourage participants to reflect on their personal relationship to the vow and their progress toward embodying the Bodhisattva ideal. Personal anecdotes can enrich the discussion.

Chapter 4: Carefulness

1. How does Śāntideva define carefulness, and why is it emphasized as a key practice?
2. What are some examples from your own life where carefulness (or the lack of it) has impacted your spiritual progress?
3. How can mindfulness strengthen carefulness?

Comments: By anchoring carefulness in personal experience, these questions foster awareness of its practical relevance and link it to mindfulness practices already familiar to many practitioners.

Chapter 5: Vigilant Introspection

1. What is the role of introspection in the Bodhisattva’s path? How does it differ from mere self-criticism?
2. How does Śāntideva recommend dealing with habitual patterns of unskillful behavior?
3. What methods can be employed to strengthen introspection in daily life?

Comments: Highlighting the constructive nature of introspection can shift participants away from guilt-driven self-analysis toward a balanced, reflective awareness.

Chapter 6: Patience

1. What are the types of patience described in this chapter, and which do you find most challenging?
2. How does Śāntideva’s discussion on anger resonate with your experiences? Can you relate to his descriptions?
3. How might cultivating patience change your relationships and interactions?

Comments: The emphasis on patience as a practice not just for oneself but for interpersonal harmony can make this chapter especially meaningful in group discussions.

Chapter 7: Heroic Perseverance

1. How does Śāntideva define heroic perseverance, and how does it differ from mere stubbornness?
2. What are the obstacles to perseverance, and how might they be overcome?
3. Can you identify an area of your life where applying heroic perseverance would bring about significant change?

Comments: Perseverance often feels daunting, but these questions can help participants recognize their own resilience and explore practical ways to cultivate it further.

Chapter 8: Meditation

1. What is the purpose of meditation as described by Śāntideva in this chapter? How does it support the Bodhisattva path?
2. How does Śāntideva suggest dealing with distractions in meditation?
3. Reflect on how your own meditation practice aligns with the principles discussed in this chapter. Are there areas you could improve?

Comments: These questions tie the chapter’s insights to personal practice, encouraging reflection on the role of meditation as both a method and a goal.

Chapter 9: Wisdom

1. How does Śāntideva present the relationship between wisdom and compassion?
2. What are the implications of emptiness for ethical action and Bodhisattva practice?
3. How does your understanding of interdependence deepen through this chapter?

Comments: Wisdom can be abstract, so these questions focus on making it accessible and actionable, especially through its connection to compassion and ethics.

Chapter 10: Dedication

1. Why is the act of dedication so important in Buddhist practice?
2. How does Śāntideva’s dedication inspire you in your practice?
3. Can you craft your own dedication that resonates with your personal aspirations?

Comments: Encouraging participants to compose their own dedications can make the practice more meaningful and help integrate the teachings into their lives.

---

This compilation combines inquiry with practical reflection, making it useful for individual study or group discussions. The comments provide context to help guide participants toward deeper engagement with the text and their own practice.