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The Origin and Development of the Bodhisattva Ideal

by Sangharakshita

The Bodhisattva ideal was emphasized by those among the early Buddhists who considered that they could learn from the Buddha's life and activity as well as from the doctrines he taught; from his compassion as well as from his wisdom.

Talk given in 1969.

This talk is part of the series Aspects of the Bodhisattva Ideal.

Tracks (click play to listen)

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1. Why listen to lectures on Buddhism? (10:03) 
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2. Introduction to the series (3:40) 
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3. What does Bodhisattva mean? (6:29) 
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4. Differences between what one is and what one says (6:21) 
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5. The Buddha versus his message (4:03) 
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6. What is Buddhism? (3:59) 
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7. Recollection of the Buddha's qualities (7:54) 
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8. The story of Kisagotami (2:51) 
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9. The story of Devadatta (3:17) 
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10. The story of Jivaka and King Ajatasatru (3:39) 
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11. Ananda's description of the Buddha (6:31) 
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12. Wisdom and Compassion: the Bodhisattva Ideal (4:55) 


Total running time: 1:03:42