Publisher's Synopsis
With its origins in ancient India, Buddhism is a system of thought that has enriched the religious lives of billions and in more recent times, swept through the Western world as well. Now anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism can go directly to the source, with this collection of original documents - edited, with commentary, by a Cornell University professor of philosophy. Who was Siddartha Gautama? What is Buddhism? Today, countless books offer a new take on the Eastern religion that has spread far beyond the borders of India, where it was born 2,500 years ago. But this book offers something more - the original writings and fundamental teachings that form the basis of this great and growing, tradition. With clear, helpful commentary by scholar E. A. Burtt, this book will familiarise you with: · The Four Noble Truths · The Eightfold Path · The Zenaka Story Of Buddha's Birth And Early Life · A Zen "Koan" · The White Lotus Ode · And More Filled with essential documents and touching upon such topics as compassion, mental health, monastic life and the nature of nirvana, this book will introduce you to, or deepen your understanding of, one of the world's great religions, devoted to the realisation of universal love.
