Chapter 20 Self-love and Altruistic Love in Bodhicaryāvatāra: A Christian Theological Reflection
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Abstract
This study explores the relationship between love of oneself (self-love) and love of the others (altruistic love) through comparing the Bodhicaryāvatāra attributed to Śāntideva (7–8th century) and the Chapters on Love (Capita de caritate) by Maximus the Confessor (c.580–662). In their respective advocacy for perfect love, they affirm an equalitarian view of love and the purity of altruistic motivation, which seems to exclude self-benefit and human passions, including familial love. In addition to these similarities, there are also important differences and rooms for mutual learning. Sāntideva’s approach is illustrated primarily by the bodhisattva ideal and further underpinned by the metaphysical principle of dependent co-arising, which affirms the non-duality and mutual benefit between the bodhisattva and the other beings, but this approach tends to neglect the positive roles to be played by human body as well as desires in the attainment of perfect love. In contrast, Maximus’ approach is based mainly on Christology without apparent underpinning from metaphysics, but it can affirm the compatibility of perfect divine love and human love, including the positive roles played by human body and bodily passions in the attainment of perfect love.