Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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

Must have...written very simple and well. You don't have to be Buddhist to order this. Its just words of wisdom to live by.

Any translation of Buddha's teachings needs to be suspect in the mind of the student. Unless the translator is diligent and clear, much will be distorted. Use your discerning mind/body as you read, contemplate, and see if the words ring true. Be well and happy on your path my friends.

Good reference. Well written, translated. The only slight negative is that it does not include all the suttas from the Numerical Discourses.

This book is very good for all who want to know how to be a perfected one. There are many methods to practice and you can use them for your life. To me, I think it's great discourse.