Buddhist Scriptures

Oct 3, 2024 5:29 PM

Author:Donald Lopez

Buddhist Scriptures

While Buddhism has no central text such as the Bible or the Koran, there is a powerful body of scripture from across Asia that encompasses the dharma, or the teachings of Buddha. This rich anthology brings together works from a broad historical and geographical range, and from languages such as Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. There are tales of the Buddha's past lives, a discussion of the qualities and qualifications of a monk, and an exploration of the many meanings of Enlightenment. Together they provide a vivid picture of the Buddha and of the vast nature of the Buddhist tradition.

Reviews

An elegant story, engagingly told. Freeman has a talent for narrative history and for encapsulating the more arcane disputes of ancient historians and theologians

—— Independent

There is much here to admire... It is a panoramic view that Freeman handles with grace, erudition and lucidity

—— Washington Times

A triumph... Engrossing... Successfully realized... Wholly admirable... Freeman is to be congratulated on a broad-brush approach that throws the main issue into sharp focus... [He] has added a new level of understanding

—— The Times Higher Education Supplement

A marvellous example of what a zen-like act of sustained attention can do to honour and illuminate the ordinary... It has a universality

—— Evening Standard

A scintillating read... Not only a fine evocation of the period, but also a fascinating study of a marriage

—— GQ

Previous Article：The Closing Of The Western Mind Next Article：The History of the Church from Christ to Constantine

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.