Books about original teachings of Buddha
So far most books I've read about Buddhism have been modern ones (meaning written in modern times by some still living author) and mostly about Zen tradition too. However I think looking at the "source" might provide some insights as well, or at least be interesting from the historical perspective, so the question arises.
Which books / resources would you people recommend for getting best in touch with the original teachings of Buddha? By 'original' in this context I mean like the sutras and stuff that are reputedly derived directly from Siddhartha Gautama's speeches.
Oh and I don't mean the books have to be hundreds of years old (:)), just that the contents include the canonical scripture and not just someone's interpretation of them in their own words. I don't mind included commentaries though.
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika
Which books / resources would you people recommend for getting best in touch with the original teachings of Buddha? By 'original' in this context I mean like the sutras and stuff that are reputedly derived directly from Siddhartha Gautama's speeches.
Oh and I don't mean the books have to be hundreds of years old (:)), just that the contents include the canonical scripture and not just someone's interpretation of them in their own words. I don't mind included commentaries though.
Hi Mika,
First, please know that nobody really knows what are the "original teachings of Buddha". We actually have a better idea what are the original teachings of Jesus (because only 4 versions of that were first written down, and that decades, not centuries, after the fact). Still, people have been disputing the "meaning of Jesus" since that time. Same with Buddha ... every "Sutra" was written after the time of Buddha, by people with their own philosophical agenda.
In Mahayana Zen too, we tend to look at Shakyamuni as Henry Ford is to cars ... the founder. That does not mean that we go away from his idea ... a modern car still has 4 wheels, a motor, steering wheel, breaks etc. It is just that we are somehow as focused on later design formulations built upon the basic framework! :-)
That being said, I like this book very much as a good introduction ...
Amazon.com
Beneath the enormous umbrella of Buddhism, there is a diverse galaxy of customs and beliefs, but there is also a kernel of truth that every sect holds dear. Rahula Walpola, scholar and monk, discovers this foundation of Buddhism for us first through straightforward explication, never skipping over a point that has yet to be substantiated, then through translations from key scriptures. Logical and focused, these are the essentials of Buddhism; know them first, then move comfortably on to other Buddhist works.
From Library Journal
Rahula is a scholar monk who trained in the Theravadan tradition in Ceylon. His succinct, clear overview of Buddhist concepts has never been surpassed. It is the standard.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taugh ... 0802130313
Also, Gregor, I believe you recently recommended a compendium of early writings and Sutra ...
In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) (Paperback)
by The Dalai Lama (Foreword), Bhikkhu Bodhi (Editor).
I have not read this, but I have ordered one.
I will try to think up more that may come to mind, and I am interested if others have recommendations in this area.
Gassho, Jundo[/quote]
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jundo
First, please know that nobody really knows what are the "original teachings of Buddha".
Yes, I am very well aware of the fact and that is why I used the word "reputedly" in my question. Maybe I should've put the whole sentence in quotes like you did though. :)
It is precisely because I am mostly familiar only with Mahayana and other "later" teachings that I want to check out from what it all started. Building from your Ford quote it might be like some fan of modern sports cars looking for the blueprints of T-Ford, just out of curiosity if not more. :)
I am glad that despite the perhaps poorly chosen words you understood what I meant precisely and thank you for your suggestions. I'll look those up and look forward to what other sources anyone can suggest.
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Hi Mika,
A good book that I recently read and recommended on another thread is Glenn Wallis's "Basic Teachings of the Buddha." Wallis also translated the Dhammapada, which reads very well. In his new book, he takes 16 suttas probably accepted as essential by most Buddhists. I like this book because of its freshness and readability. Wallis renders some basic Buddhist teachings in some fresh ways. Here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Teachings-Buddha- ... 575&sr=1-1
Hi Jundo,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jundo
We actually have a better idea what are the original teachings of Jesus (because only 4 versions of that were first written down, and that decades, not centuries, after the fact).
Please know I understand the point you were making to Mika, but I must respectfully disagree. There are actually many more versions of the teachings of Jesus than just the 4 canonical Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were simply the ones chosen by the powers that be at the Council of Nicea in 323AD, precipitated by Constantine. It was then that the 4 Gospels were chosen as scripture. However, many Gospels existed that were then considered heretical (e.g., Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Philip, Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gospel of Judas, and many others). Many contemporary scholars actually consider some of these so-called heretical texts closer to the "real" teachings of Jesus. See the work of Elaine Pagels, John D. Crossan, Marcus Borg, Bart D. Ehrman, Robert Funk, and others.
Gassho,
Keith
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Thank you for your suggestions. Plenty of stuff to read it seems. :)
Then a bit off topic...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith
See the work of Elaine Pagels, John D. Crossan, Marcus Borg, Bart D. Ehrman, Robert Funk, and others.
I found Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus to be a pretty good (and interesting too) introduction to the textual criticism and history of the Bible.
And speaking of textual criticism, has there been any attempts at Buddhist scripture? Any good books in English about it? I know Buddhists generally take the texts way less seriously than most Christians generally take theirs, but perhaps there have been some scholars who have taken interest?
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Hi Mika,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika
Then a bit off topic...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith
See the work of Elaine Pagels, John D. Crossan, Marcus Borg, Bart D. Ehrman, Robert Funk, and others.
Yes, it was a bit off topic. Sorry if I came across pompous and/or verbose!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika
I found Ehrman's
Misquoting Jesus to be a pretty good (and interesting too) introduction to the textual criticism and history of the Bible.
Yes, I liked that book, too. I also heard Ehrman on NPR. Good interview.
By the way, love the Yoda quote! One of my favorites, too.
Gassho,
Keith
Re: Books about original teachings of Buddha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika
And speaking of textual criticism, has there been any attempts at Buddhist scripture? Any good books in English about it? I know Buddhists generally take the texts way less seriously than most Christians generally take theirs, but perhaps there have been some scholars who have taken interest?
There's the book Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations by Paul Williams. It's quite good (but obviously, only about Mahayana texts). I don't know of any similar book concerning the Pali canon.