This is the most recent of several Pali-only anthologies of Buddhist texts I've read, the other two being Word of the Buddha and Path To Deliverance, both by the famous German monk Nyanatiloka. (The latter is especially good.) This one is easily the most comprehensive.
For those of you who find the suttas tough going on account of their lack of thematic organization, this book will be a godsend. As Bhikkhu Bodhi explains in the introduction, the idea for it had its genesis in a series of lectures he gave on the Majjhima Nikaya. His goal therein was to arrange materials from simplest to most profound, giving a progressive, graded course of theoretical and practical instruction. He then decided to turn that approach to the Sutta Pitaka as a whole. The result is the present work.
The specifics of this structure are as follows, where each number refers to a part of the book:
1.The Buddha's description of the human condition
2.The nature of the Buddha and his attainment
3.How to approach the Dhamma
4.How the Dhamma contributes to happiness in this life
5.How it can contribute to happiness in future rebirths
6.The Dhamma on why renunciation is the safest course to take (the perils of samsara)
7.The nature of the path to liberation
8.How to master the mind
9.The nature of transcendent wisdom
10.Stages of realization
Each of these sections is prefaced with a substantial introduction by Bhikkhu Bodhi, and some of these are surprisingly good. (I have often felt a little sour toward BB's writing because he is such a slave to the Commentaries and tends to express himself with a slightly stilted, pompous air.) I was especially impressed by his introduction to part 3 ("Approaching the Dhamma"), which is, in effect, an essay on the place and nature of faith (saddha) in the Buddha's teaching. I think anyone, no matter how knowledgeable, can benefit from these pages (81ff). It is especially useful as a contrast to Christian notions of faith.
So who would benefit most from this book? I think beginning students would especially be served by it, or at least those who have until now subsisted mainly on a diet of secondary texts and haven't yet plunged into the jungle of the suttas. This book is excellent for providing an orientation, and if read two or three times so that one really becomes familiar with the passages contained therein, when the passages are finally encountered in their full form it should prove very rewarding. But then, anyone who wants a refresher, or a different manner of presentation from, say, the four noble truths and the three-fold training (sila, samadhi, pañña), will also benefit.
(less) In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon
Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
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 Pali 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.
This book contains:
Clear translations of the Buddha's original teachings
Thoughtfully curated selections from the Pali Canon
Chapters on the Buddha's life, rebirth, suffering, liberation, and practice
A foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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. Practitioners and scholars alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable.
Dive into the world of the Buddha through these easy-to-read English translations of the Pali Canon. The Pali Canon is the literary, intellectual, and spiritual foundation of Theravada Buddhism. This volume, being organized in a progressive manner "from the simple to the difficult, from the elementary to the profound," makes it well-suited for those looking for an accessible introduction to the Theravadin scriptural corpus, as well as being a valuable resource for those familiar with the Pali Canon but wanting a more structured presentation of the materials.
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
925 global ratings
5 star 82%4 star 12%3 star 4%![](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
Lachlan Harris5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Introductory Book to Buddhism AvailableReviewed in Australia on 6 April 2021
Verified Purchase
Bhikku Bodhi breaks down Buddhism into a digestible and easy to understand, yet detail, form. This book explores Buddhism, its key concepts and the life of the Buddha through an examination of the Pali Canon, the oldest extant canonical Buddhist collection of texts.
Truly the best introductory book into Buddhism, its key concepts and the life of Gautama that's available. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would.
Helpful
Report abuse![](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
Chris Hogben5.0 out of 5 stars Great serviceReviewed in Australia on 13 December 2019
Verified Purchase
My wife and I love this book. Arrived very quickly.
Helpful
Report abuse![](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
YJ5.0 out of 5 stars ReliableReviewed in Australia on 1 February 2019
Verified Purchase
Amazing
Helpful
Report abuseSee all reviewsTop reviews from other countries
![](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
Mr Newman
5.0 out of 5 stars The best introduction to what the Buddha himself thought and taughtReviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 June 2016
Verified Purchase
Want a well laid out anthology summarising what The Buddha actually said rather than other peoples well meant reinterpretations of what they think he said? Then buy this book. If you want to get as close as you can to what the Buddha actually taught to his followers and how he taught it then this is it. It is by far the best available overview of the original core Buddhist teachings from which all other strains of Buddhism developed. Discover the Buddhas actual teachings presented in his own words and introduce yourself to one of the most sensible, logical and genuinely life changing religions in existence. The philosophy outlined in this book is extraordinary and reading it will make a positive change to your outlook on life. The Pali canon is one of the oldest written records of the Buddhas words. It is also written in a language similar to that which the Buddha would have spoken. Therefore it is the most accurate record available of the words of one of the most remarkable human beings who ever lived. This is an excellent anthology of passages from the Pali Canon which gives a sound overview of its teachings organised into sections on each key theme. Buy it.
16 people found this helpful
Report abuse![](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/27713d31-4133-4371-96e9-cc0c8bb5c823._CR0,0,101,101_UX110_.jpg)
Matt Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine AnthologyReviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 January 2012
Verified Purchase
This volume is a valuable collection of teachings, arranged by theme, taken from the Pali Suttas. This work serves as both a fine introduction to the wider and voluminous Pali Suttas for those who are new to them and as a fine single volume summary for those already familiar with the work. Bhikkhu Bodhi has also, through the thematic structure he uses for his anthology, provided a helpful template and structure to aid the understanding of those who have read, or go on to read, the complete Suttas. The volume includes a useful introduction and each of the ten themed chapters is preceded by a helpful introduction/overview. The volume also includes useful notes and indices.
"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
Also of interest may be Bhikkhu Bodhi's wonderful collection of the Buddha's teachings specifically focusing on conflict resolution, interpersonal and social problem-solving, and the forging of harmonious relationships. These teachings are again drawn from the Pali Canon, and organized into ten thematic chapters. The Buddha's Teaching on Social and Communal Harmony (Teachings of the Buddha)
A number of the Suttas are also available in complete translations by Bhikkhu Bodhi:
The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: Samyutta Nikaya
The Middle Length Sayings: Majjhima-Nikaya
An Ancient Collection of Buddha's Discourses: The Suttanipata
The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: Anguttara Nikaya
The Long Discourses of the Buddha: Digha-Nikaya is also available in a translation by Maurice Walshe.
Read less
35 people found this helpful
Report abuse![](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/c7e1a04d-f787-4457-a9d1-7b324d4a7e37._CR0,26.0,281,281_SX48_.jpg)
Hannah
3.0 out of 5 stars Hard GoingReviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2019
Verified Purchase
Very good in its own right but hard going. An enjoyable, easier and insightful version of many of the major Sutras, in one book, is
'Awakening of the Heart' by Thich Nhat Hahn
7 people found this helpful
Report abuse![](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
Kameron S
5.0 out of 5 stars BeautifulReviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2021
Verified Purchase
Another magnificent piece of writing by Bhikkhu Bodhi, an absolute legend introducing and translating the teachings of the great teacher the Buddha to the western world, this book is a compilation and introduction to the amazing tales of the dhamma, if you are looking at this book what are you waiting for, trust me you wont regret it, it is truly amazing
Report abuse![](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Buddha VacanaReviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2018
Verified Purchase
As I am yet to master the Pali language I greatly appreciate these translations of the early Buddhist teachings.
Delivery was well ahead of schedule.
Thank you
2 people found this helpful
Report abuseSee all reviews