Teachings of the Buddha: The Wisdom of the Dharma, from the Pali Canon to the Sutras

by Desmond Biddulph (Editor), Darcy Flynn (Editor), John Cleare (Photographer) (Illustrator)

Introducing the insights of the Buddha, universal and timeless inspiration for our search for true happiness.

A deluxe cloth edition with a foil blocked sticker and a removable insight card so you can carry the Buddha's teachings everywhere you go, this beautifully packaged collection is the perfect gift for the wisdom seeker in your life.

Beginning with the root of human suffering, or "twelve-linked chain of causation," and ending with the transcendence of enlightenment, this carefully curated volume presents the great arch of Buddhist doctrine as told by its earliest practitioners, including the Buddha himself.

"My Teaching," said the Buddha, "is about suffering and how to end it." Mirroring the 10 stages of the bodhisattva's path of awakening, the book's ten chapters take readers on a spiritual/philosophical journey through the Buddha's cycle of healing, from ignorance and suffering, to awareness and enlightenment.  Combining extracts from the early Pali canon and the later Mahayana sutras, as well as traditional Buddhist tales, poignant Zen koans (riddles) and gorgeous atmospheric photographs all prefaced by an informative introduction that traces the history of Buddha's enduring teachings back to the life of the Gautama Buddha, Teachings of the Buddha is a richly woven tapestry of wisdom, insight and expertise, and an indispensable volume for practicing Buddhists and beginners alike.

 

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

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rossdavidh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extra star for extra-beautiful binding and printing, very high-quality paper and many graceful and thoughtful choices in background pictures and typesetting. The physical book was a joy to hold. The contents, are very good at putting one in a thoughtful frame of mind, calming and reflective.

But, let's be honest, the Buddha's words are not super-clear to a 21st century reader, which is no criticism since they have always needed to be interpreted, in every new land and new century they have been carried to. There is commentary here to try to help with that, but to be perfectly frank, if you don't already know what they're trying to say, this won't say it to you.

[Maria Pulido · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Better than a thousand senseless verses is one which brings the hearer peace.

Better than a thousand useless verses is one word of the law which brings the hearer peace.

Though one man conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, he who conquers himself is the greatest warrior."

Insightful.

[Gabrielle Zdep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photographs paired with excerpts from the writings of Buddhist sutras. Enjoyed the insightful and poetic explanations and interpretations; Biddulph's a pretty great writer.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. I love learning about Buddhism and all this philosophy has to offer. I would recommend reading other texts on Buddhism as well, but this is certainly a great introduction.

[Beth E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and a wonderful collection of teachings. I truly enjoyed this book.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the concept of Buddhism, but it does not so a very thorough job of explaining vocabulary or concepts.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, clear and concise, introduction to the basic teachings.

[Drumadel]

Es un libro introductorio de varios conceptos importantes del budismo en general, pero no profundiza demasiado en ellos.