Buddha Speaks - Hardcover

Anne, Bancroft

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1570624933 ISBN 13: 9781570624933

Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc, 2000

Synopsis

Here is the core of the Buddha's teachings in his own words, as it was memorized word-for-word by his disciples and written down two hundred years after his death. These selections from the Buddhist scriptures deal with the search for truth, the way of contemplation, life, and death, living in community, and many other topics, serving as an excellent introduction to the Buddha's teaching. Whether addressed to monks and nuns, householders, outcastes, or thieves, the Buddha's teachings are characterized by one main concern: conveying the reality of our bondage to suffering—and the supremely good news that liberation is possible. It is a concern as relevant for people today as it was for the people of north India a millenium and a half ago.

About this title

Review:

If you're looking for an introduction to Buddhism but don't want your information second hand, The Buddha Speaks is the book for you. Anne Bancroft takes us right into the Buddha's own words, delivering his opinions direct from the sutras on such topics as love, mind, death, wisdom and society. The words are wise and as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago. On love: "A mother, even at the risk of her own life, protects her child...In the same way should you cultivate love without measure toward all beings". On the mind: "This mind is like a fish out of water that thrashes and throws itself about, its thoughts following each of its cravings...How good it is to control it and know the happiness of freedom". On society: "Hatred does not come to an end through hatred but can only cease through generosity". The Buddha's teachings are considered a refuge by Buddhists around the world, and The Buddha Speaks reconstructs this sanctuary wherever you are. --Brian Bruya

About the Author:

Anne Bancroft is the author of numerous books, including Zen: Direct Pointing to Reality and Weavers of Wisdom: Women Mystics of the Twentieth Century. She lives in England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1570624933
• ISBN 13: 9781570624933
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 133