The works of the Buddha can feel vast, and it is sometimes difficult for even longtime students to know where to look, especially since the Buddha never explicitly defined the framework behind his teachings. Designed to provide just such a framework, In the Buddha's Words is an anthology of the Buddha's works that has been specifically compiled by a celebrated scholar and translator. For easy reference, the book is arrayed in ten thematic sections ranging from "The Human Condition" to "Mastering the Mind" to "The Planes of Realization." Each section comes with introductions, notes, and essays to help beginners and experts alike draw greater meaning from the Buddha's words. The book also features a general introduction by the author that fully lays out how and why he has arranged the Buddha's teachings in this volume. This thoughtful compilation is a valuable resource for both teachers and those who want to read the Buddha on their own.
In the Buddha's Words
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
A remarkable book. A gift to the world. -- Andrew Olendzki, Executive Director of the Barre Center of Buddhist Studies, in Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly
From the Back Cover
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 P›li 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.
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. Students and seekers alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
197 of 202 people found the following review helpful
By desiree
Format:Paperback
Thank you to Bhikku Bodhi for his tremendous effort. If you are a serious practitioner, especially a lone practitioner as I am, this book is invaluable for making available the undiluted teachings of the Buddha himself. Most of the books in my Buddhist library have been helpful to some extent or other but most are explanations of the teachings, i.e. the Buddha's words once-removed. I rank very highly What the Buddha Taught, by Walpola Rahula. This book is much more extensive. It is also more accessible than The Middle Length Discourses (trans. Bhiddhu Nanamoli and Bhiddhu Bodhi) because it is organized into general topics, such as "The Human Condition" and "Mastering the Mind." Highly recommended as a life reference.
104 of 105 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is written in clear and understandable English. It gives very understandable explanations of all major Buddhist Dhamma teachings while avoiding all the mythology that entered Buddhism in the later centuries. This summary of the Pali Canon is very close to the original Buddha of history. You will find how to over come greed, hatred, and delusion by over coming clinging and the false view of self. It has the greatest explanation of the Noble Eightfold path I have ever read. The Four Noble truths are the main theme of these scriptures. If you have already read the Dhammapada and have some understanding of Buddhism then buy this for the advanced learning. However this book is not for beginners and non-Buddhists may not be able to grasp it. Bhikkhu Boddhi has written wonderful introductions to each section that really prepare you to receive the teachings. 5 Stars, thank you Bhikkhu.
73 of 74 people found the following review helpful
By Griff-Man
Format:Paperback
It seems there are many books telling us how the Budda would date, eat, work...etc. These books may be helpful, but why not get as close to the original sources as possible? Unfortunately the Suttas (or sutras...the collected rememberances of the Buddas talks) can be overwhelming for many of us because of their vast number, the repetitive language, the obscure references, and they are not anthologized in a helpful way. In this book you have exerpts of the most foundational suttas. They are presented in chapters related by topic and each chapter has a wonderful introduction. The structure is oriented towards practice - ethical training, meditation, and wisdom. If you are looking for a book that is beyond a basic introduction and can be a touchstone for your own development - this could be a book you could work with for years to come. I can't recommend it highly enough
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I own many of the longer and complete translations of the Pali Canon available now and have spent years studying and teaching, to the best of my ability, the contents and character of each. What I find most useful about Bhikkhu Bohdi's anthology is it's concise and focused selection of Suttas and the logic of the overall outline, making it an extremely useful learning tool of the heart of Buddhism. Also, I took an extended trip recently and this was the only book of scripture I took along. It's physical size combined with the translations themselves and Bhikkhu Bodhi's erudite and clear commentary made this a wonderful traveling companion. If your Buddhist library can hold only one book, I highly recommend this volume.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After having read a few books on buddhism, which caused some confusion around what Buddhist (would) say, what they believe and what Buddha actually said, I found this book fundamental. I was alway afraid of the long long sutras - and I almost gave up reading the original words of Buddha. Now I think there is no better introduction to Buddhism than the real source. After this, explanations and summaries of buddhism are easier to grasp and judge. But I needed a good introduction to it. It was this book.
I particularly liked the sensible 'shortenings', i.e. when repetitions are omitted. It might be strange for the first time, but you soon get used to it and it makes sense. It is a thick book anyway with many essential areas of what Buddha said to the lay people and to monks and to this own disciples. A wonderful compilation.
I particularly liked the sensible 'shortenings', i.e. when repetitions are omitted. It might be strange for the first time, but you soon get used to it and it makes sense. It is a thick book anyway with many essential areas of what Buddha said to the lay people and to monks and to this own disciples. A wonderful compilation.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Baern
Format:Paperback
Anybody interested in pursuing an understanding of Buddhism and Buddhist teachings can tell you how overwhelming it can be to try to sift through the religious texts. First of all, the Pali canon is quite huge, such that it would take a lifetime to read and absorb it all, and the printed versions of it (in Pali, there is still no complete English translation) are anywhere from 35 to 58 volumes. From this vast ocean of scripture Bhikkhu Bodhi effectively organizes it into chapters based on major points of doctrine. Each chapter has a few pages of Bhikkhu Bodhi's own interpretation and explanation, but the bulk of the book is devoted to the scripture. I highly recommend it to anybody who wants to better understand Buddhism (including Mahayana Buddhism). As for those who are as intensely interested in Theravada Buddhism as I am, I would say that this book, along with a good translation of the Dhammapada, is essential.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Samantha
Format:Paperback
An excellent overview of the sutras (suttas in Pali) which gives more than an excellent introduction to the entire tipitaka of the Pali scriptures. If you have time to read only one book on the Buddhist scriptures, this is the one.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent translation.
Very well presented translation and description of the Buddha's teachings. I highly reocmmend the work as a representation of the teachings and meanings of an important teacher in... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Dean Graves
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deep; Insightful
This is an extremely accessible book for any reader. Anyone interested in Buddhism should seriously take interest in this one book above all others.
Published 29 days ago by Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Learning
This is a fantastic book. The way it's written should makes anyone able to jump right in. It's a perfect introduction to Buddhism in a whole and I recommend anybody wishing to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not the easiest read, but worth it
As the oldest surviving written record of Buddhism, the Pali Canon deserves the attention of anyone interested in the subject. Read more
Published 3 months ago by C. W. Richards
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you want to become Buddhist, read the Buddha's own words
I find this translation of the Buddha's sutras (from Pali) to be easy to read and impressive. Bhikku Bodhi arranges the sutras in such a logical way for those of us who are new to... Read more
Published 3 months ago by E. Vos
4.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful and Accessible
This particular collection of selections from the Pali Canon is one of the more accessible I've found. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Katherine J Sciandra
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Fine Collection of the Buddha's Words
I have been reading books on Buddhism for more than forty years--I started with Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught" and Edward Conze's "Buddhism: Its Essence and Development"... Read more
Published 3 months ago by L. Ron Gardner
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good book as an introduction.to Buddhism
Is a very good book that serve the purpose of an introduction to Pali Buddhism. Very well translated and a good read too. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Juan
3.0 out of 5 stars
to many intended audiences
I was actually very happy with most of the material and even most of his interpretations. But then he started to try to sell the belief that Buddhism is atheistic in nature. Read more
Published 4 months ago by happyman3
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quality book
Very enjoyable book to read thank you. Would recommend it for anyone interested in buddhism for all levels of practise :)
Published 4 months ago by Andy
