The Buddha before Buddhism

wisdom from the early teachings

No cover

Gil Fronsdal: The Buddha before Buddhism (2016)

180 pages

English language

Published Sept. 10, 2016

ISBN:
978-1-61180-324-2
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OCLC Number:
934193194

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(3 reviews)

1 edition

Review of 'The Buddha before Buddhism' on 'GoodReads'

This book is about the Book of Eights. Although nobody can be sure, this book is regarded as the initial teachings of the Buddha right after his enlightenment, before a whole religion was built upon his discovery and his person.

The teachings in the Book of Eights point to a peace that can be found in this life in this world. The Book of Eights is short, it consists of sixteen poems which together presents a path of practice toward inner piece. This practice is both for reaching this state and to maintain it. The way to do this is by letting go, letting go of religious views, of world views, of desires and of possessions.

Gil Fronsdal gives a thorough introduction in which he shows the context within the Book of Eights is written, and introduces every poem with a short explanation. His writing is clear and easy to …

Review of 'The Buddha before Buddhism' on 'Goodreads'

This book, though not being very long, offers an interesting glimpse onto a fundamental text of the Buddhist canon: the Book of Eights.

The superb translation of this canonical text is accompanied by a very thorough explanation of its context and meaning by the translator, making its content and subtleties more easily understandable and graspable by the modern reader.

It also provides a very insightful glimpse into the Buddhist scholarship around this text and how it supposedly came to be composed, as well as providing clues as to the authenticity of its author and content.

So, even if you’re not even interested in Buddhism, Buddha’s words, or Buddhist scholarship, this book will still provide you with many snippets of timeless wisdom that in some way will enrich your life and understanding. You won’t regret having read it.

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Subjects

  • Buddhism
  • Spiritual life
  • Psychology