The way of the Buddha is to know yourself; To know yourself is to forget yourself; To forget yourself is to be awakened by all things. Dogen – Thirteenth Century Zen Monk
Reference and Background
Reference and Background
Bodhi, Bhikkhu, ed. and trans. In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2005). A definitive introduction to the Buddha’s teachings in his own words. This volume is especially accessible because of the clear translation and systematic presentation.
Bodhi, Bhikkhu, trans. Samyutta Nikaya, The Connected Discourses of the Buddha (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995). The authoritative translation of the one of the four great collections of the Buddha’s teachings.
Murcott, Susan. The First Buddhist Women: Translations and Commentary on the Therigatha (Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press, 1991). A fascinating compilation of the enlightenment verses of the earliest female disciples of the Buddha during his lifetime.
Nanamoli, Bhikkhu, and Bhikkhu Bodhi, trans, Majjhima Nikaya,
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995). The authoritative translation of the 152 middle-length teachings.
Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught (New York: Grove Press, 1959). A classic presentation of the key concepts of Buddhism by a Buddhist monk and scholar.
Smith, Jean, ed. Radiant Mind: Essential Buddhist Teachings and Texts (New York: Riverhead, 1999). A compilation of key texts and commentaries from all major traditions, selected for their accessibility to those new to Buddhism.
Walshe, Maurice, trans. Digha Nikaya, Thus Have I Heard: The Long Discourses of the Buddha (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1987). The classic translation of the Long Discourses.
- Thus Have I Heard: The Long Discourses of the Buddha
- Radiant Mind: Essential Buddhist Teachings and Texts
- What the Buddha Taught