In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali CanonBodhi 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:
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 |
471 | |
473 | |
479 | |
481 | |
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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In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon Bodhi No preview available - 2005 |
Common terms and phrases
abandoned annihilationism arahant arahantship arising ascetic Gotama ascetics and brahmins attains Nibb›na birth Blessed One’s Bodhisatta body Brahm breathe Buddha Buddha’s teaching Buddhist cessation of suffering condition consciousness craving defilements dejection delight dependent origination destruction devas and humans developed Dhamma direct knowledge discourse element enlightenment factor enters and dwells equanimity existence faculties finanda five aggregates five hindrances five lower fetters formless Four Noble Truths fruit happiness heartwood householder impermanent insight jh›na K›l›mas kamma king lay followers leading liberation lives lust Master Gotama Master Ra˛˛hap›la meditation monk dwells contemplating moral discipline name-and-form Nik›yas noble disciple Noble Eightfold Path nonreturner nonself occasion the Blessed once-returner P›li perception Perfectly Enlightened person realization realm rebirth reborn right view S›riputta S›vatthı Saºgha sensual pleasures six sense bases spiritual stream-entry subject to clinging Sutta taints Tath›gata Text things tion true Dhamma understands unwholesome uposatha venerable sir volitional formations wholesome wisdom