In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon

Front Cover
Bodhi
Simon and Schuster, Jul 28, 2005 - Literary Collections - 485 pages
This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the Buddha's teachings - in his own words.

The American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the Buddha from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of what the Buddha taught. Divided into ten thematic chapters, In the Buddha's Words reveals the full scope of the Buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight. A concise, informative introduction precedes each chapter, guiding the reader toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow.

This book contains:
  • Clear translations of the Buddha’s original teachings
  • Thoughtfully curated selections from the Pali Canon
  • Chapters on the Buddha’s life, rebirth, suffering, liberation, and practice
  • A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama


In the Buddha's Words allows even readers unacquainted with Buddhism to grasp the significance of the Buddha's contributions to our world heritage. Taken as a whole, these texts bear eloquent testimony to the breadth and intelligence of the Buddha's teachings, and point the way to an ancient yet ever-vital path. Practitioners and scholars alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable.

Dive into the world of the Buddha through these easy-to-read English translations of the Pali Canon. The Pali Canon is the literary, intellectual, and spiritual foundation of Theravada Buddhism. This volume, being organized in a progressive manner "from the simple to the difficult, from the elementary to the profound," makes it well-suited for those looking for an accessible introduction to the Theravadin scriptural corpus, as well as being a valuable resource for those familiar with the Pali Canon but wanting a more structured presentation of the materials.
 

Contents

General Introduction
1
I The Human Condition
17
II The Bringer of Light
41
III Approaching the Dhamma
79
IV The Happiness Visible in This Present Life
105
V The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth
143
VI Deepening Ones Perspective on the World
181
VII The Path to Liberation
221
Table of Sources
459
Glossary
469
Bibliography
471
Index of Subjects
473
Index of Proper Names
479
Index of Similes
481
Index of Selected Pāli Sutta Titles
483
Index of Pāli Terms Discussed in the Notes
485

VIII Mastering the Mind
255
IX Shining the Light of Wisdom
299
X The Planes of Realization
371
Notes
425
About the Author
486
Also Available from Wisdom Publications
487
About Wisdom Publications
488
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