The Buddha Speaks - A book of guidance from Buddhist scriptures

by Anne Bancroft

If you're looking for an introduction to Buddhism but don't want your information secondhand, The Buddha Speaks is the book for you. Anne Bancroft takes us right into the Buddha's own words, delivering his opinions direct from the sutras on such topics as love, mind, death, wisdom, and society. The words are wise and as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. On "A mother, even at the risk of her own life, protects her child.... In the same way should you cultivate love without measure toward all beings." On the "This mind is like a fish out of water that thrashes and throws itself about, its thoughts following each of its cravings.... How good it is to control it and know the happiness of freedom." On "Hatred does not come to an end through hatred but can only cease through generosity." The Buddha's teachings are considered a refuge by Buddhists around the world, and The Buddha Speaks reconstructs this sanctuary wherever you are. --Brian Bruya

Genres: Buddhism, Self Help, Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy

Hardcover

First published April 18, 2000

Reviews

[Rob Englert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book of teachings short teachings from the Buddha. I like it as a source of daily inspiration. You will want to read this book again and again.

[Frank Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a relatively sweet collection of mostly fairly short passages from various Buddhist texts from both the Pali Canon and from Mahayana Sutras such as "The Diamond Sutra" and other prajñaparamita texts. These are not translations and no translator credit is given, unless it was the editor, Anne Bancroft -- NOT the actress!. Most are more accurately described as "paraphrases" and that's why I gave this book 3 and not 4 stars. Some of the paraphrases distort the original meaning, mostly to make it more palatable for moderns.

That said, I used this book as thematic prompts for my yoga classes and they allowed me to offer short dharma talks and weave the various themes within and through practice.

[Ali Hysong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part of cultivating my own personal morals and philosophy is familiarizing myself with those of different cultures, religions, beliefs, philosophies, etc. Understanding others and accepting them is key to understanding and accepting ourselves. This book is a perfect book of meditations that is a wonderful stepping stone to becoming familiar with Eastern philosophy. So much wisdom can be drawn from this and Bancroft does an excellent job organizing The Buddha's teachings into a reference style book.

[Jampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book to have close by. I recommend it when doing short or long retreats. Definitely meant to be reread again and again. Namo Buddhaye