The Pocket Buddha Reader

by Anne Bancroft (Compiler)

Here is the core of the Buddha's teaching in his own words, as it was memorized word for word by his disciples and written down two hundred years after his death. These selections from the Buddhist scriptures deal with the search for truth, the way of contemplation, life and death, living in community, and many other topics, serving as an excellent introduction to the Buddha's teaching. Whether addressed to monks and nuns, householders, outcastes, or thieves, the Buddha's teachings are characterized by one main conveying the reality of our bondage to suffering—and the supremely good news that liberation is possible. It is a concern as relevant for people today as it was for the people of north India a millennium and a half ago.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

196 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2001

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books on eastern religions, particularly if they are original sources. This collection, edited by Anne Bancroft, covers the ground with chapters on awakening, love, clarity, body and mind, contemplation, sorrow, truth, life and death, time and infinity, and self and society. As the Dhammapada says:

See this world as a bubble, a mirage. Be nonattached and death cannot touch you.

Look at this glittering world, it is like a royal carriage. The foolish are taken up by it, but the wise do not cling to it.

These are useful words to live by, especially if you can avoid getting caught up in snares.

[SuzAnne King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I will ever “ finish” reading this .

[Bryon Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pocket Buddha Reader draws from different texts, so some of the readings, and some are stories. All of the readings can be taken in one quick sitting.
The Buddha recommended that we put aside our desires for the things of this world and look within, so it seems fitting to me that my favorite Buddha book is the smallest one I have, and takes up the least amount of space.
I also believe that Gautama Buddha himself would approve of this format, which encourages you to read just a little and to reflect upon it deeply. We don't need to learn about everything the Buddha ever did and said. We just need to understand one.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then, I need an infusion of wisdom. All I have to do is reach into my pants pocket and read this to remind me of how I need to be focusing on the world around me.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A commendable selection of readings from the Buddha's teachings.