Sayings of the Buddha: New Translations from the Pali Nikayas (Oxford World's Classics) Critical ed. Edition
by Rupert Gethin (Translator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
ISBN-13: 978-0192839251
ISBN-10: 019283925XWhy is ISBN important?
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$10.97
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.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Rupert Gethin's Sayings of the Buddha [is] translated with an eye toward readability, dispensing with the turgid English found in early translations of the canon. This short volume is sure to join Gethin's other work as a resource for teachers and students, and anyone interested in early Buddhist
literature."--Buddhadharma
About the Author
Rupert Gethin is the author of The Buddhist Path to Awakening and The Foundations of Buddhism.
Product details
Publisher : Oxford University Press; Critical ed. edition (December 1, 2008)
Language : English
Paperback : 368 pages
4.6 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from other countries
sanyata
5.0 out of 5 stars aims for readability, still a though read, not an intro to buddhismReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2010
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this is a very good translation and presentation of the text. on many points i couldnt have wished for a better translation. but the original sayings are still tough going. if you are just getting into buddhism start somewhere else. this is mostly for scholars working with buddhism and for advanced buddhists
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Phil B
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute mustReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2016
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A few chapters in, I am very glad to have purchased this book. Just came off a great Vipasana course in the UK and wanted to understand the historical background of Buddha and incites into the religion. Well worth while.
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Jun 24, 2020Tom Uytterhoeven rated it really liked it
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.
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.
Aug 06, 2019Zach rated it liked it
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. (less)
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. (less)
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.
elibrary
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. :))
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Mar 15, 2011Bruce Park rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
My daily reading book.
Sep 15, 2015Mckinley rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: buddhism, non-fiction
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.
