Sayings of the Buddha

by Rupert Gethin (Translator)

As more and more westerners study and practice Buddhism, reliable modern translations of the Buddha's teachings are increasingly in demand. One of the main sources for knowledge of the Buddhadharma is the four Pali Nikayas or "collections" of his sayings. Written in Pali, an ancient Indian language closely related to Sanskrit, the Nikayas are among the oldest Buddhist texts and consist of more than one and a half million words. This new translation offers a selection of the Buddha's most important sayings, reflecting the full variety of material contained in the Nikayas: the central themes of the Buddha's teaching (his biography, philosophical discourse, instruction on morality, meditation, and the spiritual life) and the range of literary style (myth, dialogue, narrative, short sayings, verse). This edition is the most critically up-to-date and For anyone seeking a more direct encounter with the Buddha's words and teaching, this new translation will prove to be essential reading, rewarding scholars and practitioners alike.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, The World, Spirituality, India

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2008

Reviews

[Tom Uytterhoeven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but rewarding

I am absolutely not familiar with Buddhism. But this book offers a good introduction. The explanatory notes at the beginning of each chapter help to understand what the different sayings are about. The Buddhist texts themselves are translated in clear English, but that does nit mean they are always easy to understand. However, the persistent reader is rewarded with a sense of what Buddhism is about. Therefore, four stars.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

RG's translation is adequate, but at times I feel his rendering sounds like that of an academic: undoubtedly accurate, but lacking in an artistic flair and reverence.

For me, this book is worth its price alone just for the introductory sections and discussions, which of course are derived from Prof Gethin's vast experience and knowledge of the Pali canon.

[Bexen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good selection of suttas, including many famous or important ones, translated in a clear, efficient way. The introductory study is also quite impressive and useful in understanding the complexities of the Pali suttas literature.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Thinley Jamtsho · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's basically the collection of Buddha's main sutras (teachings or sayings) from the great ancient Indian Pali literature. I thinks it's a must book for everybody, because the translation of buddha's teachings in that is so clear and easy to understand. :))

[Bruce Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daily reading book.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the suttas, not sure all of them are of chief import to non-monastic Buddhists. The formatting of the e-book is not good though.