Written in India in the early eighth century AD, Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara became one of the most popular accounts of the Buddhist spiritual path. Important as a manual of training among Mahayana Buddhists, especially in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, it continues to be used as the basis for teaching by modern Buddhist teachers. This is a new translation from the original Sanskrit, with detailed annotations explaining allusions and technical references. The Introductions set Santideva's work in context, and for the first time explain its structure.