The Living Thoughts of Gotama the Buddha

Variously referred to as the “Eye in the World,” “Conqueror of Death,” and “Teacher of Gods and Men,” the historical figure known as Buddha founded his school of thought in the fifth century B.C. According to legend, the well-born Siddhartha Gotama renounced his home and secular life to seek enlightenment, a goal he ultimately achieved through meditation. Recognizing the source of human suffering as the desires fed by ignorance, the Buddha discovered a path to harmony through righteous living and rigorous self-discipline. His compassion for humanity led him to spend the rest of his life sharing his insights, resulting in the widespread religious and philosophic system that is still enormously influential today.
This fascinating book, the work of two distinguished scholars in the field, captures the essence of Buddha’s life and teachings. Starting with a brief biography of the Buddha and an overview of his doctrine, the authors present a series of Pali texts attributed to the Enlightened One himself. Rich in parables and thought-provoking observations, the texts are thematically organized around the founder and his prophesies; training in Buddhist thought and conduct; relations with others; evolution and the unity of mankind; Buddha’s teachings regarding causality, the Self, the Way, nirvana, and other topics; and the transcendent state achieved through obedience to dharma, the cosmic order. Carefully researched and eminently readable, this volume offers a rich, insightful introduction to the ageless wisdom of the East.