Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya (Sacred Literature) [Paperback]

Bhikkhu Bodhi (Co-editor), Nyanaponika Thera (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Sacred Literature | Publication Date: May 28, 2000

Drawn from the Anguttara Nikaya, Numerical Discourses of the Buddha brings together teachings of the Buddha ranging from basic ethical observances recommended to the busy man or woman of the world, to the more rigorous instructions on mental training prescribed for the monks and nuns. The Anguttara Nikaya is a part of the Pali Canon, the authorized recension of the Buddha's Word for followers of Theravada Buddhism, the form of Buddhism prevailing in the Buddhist countries of southern Asia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: AltaMira Press (May 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742504050
• ISBN-13: 978-0742504059
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a gem, June 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya (Sacred Literature) (Paperback)

Excellent selection with a wonderful introduction. Words of wisdom that express some of the key ideas of the Master with a focus on advice for lay people and those who are undergoing the Training. A good primer for those who are preparing to tackle the major nikayas such as the Digha, Majjhima and Samyutta.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Numerical Discourses of the Buddha, June 27, 2004

By 

Anagarika Dipa (Springfield, MO United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya (Sacred Literature) (Paperback)

I have found the Numerical Discourses of the Buddha very helpful.
It has the advantage of being in one volume over the Anguttara Nikaya's five volumes. The translation is in some ways an improvement over the older PTS version but I did find at least one sutta that had lost something in this translation. I am referring to VI, 44, which in this anthology is no. 123. The Anguttara Nikaya VI, 44 contained the words: .."he digs a pit for
himself who measures the measure of persons." In this anthology
these words are not used or anything resembling that analogy.

Another sutta that is in the Anguttara Nikaya was either not included or if it was included it didn't mention an analogy that
the Buddha used regarding the worth of becoming. The words of the Buddha in that sutta were quite shocking and memorable having to do with excrement on the tip of a fingernail. The Buddha said that becoming is not even worth this much.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya (Sacred Literature Series), January 19, 2009

By 

Bonnie Krentcil (boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya (Sacred Literature) (Paperback)

This is one of my favorite works of Buddhist literature.

The segments are short and easy to read, yet poignant in their messages. It contains many straightforward examples and even some inspiring words from the Buddha to his disciples.

This book is a great companion for those who want some straight foward teachings without the repetitive length of the sutras and without the poetic prose of the Dhammapada.

A highly suggested book