The Life and Teaching of the Buddha

Gotama the Buddha: His Life and His Teaching

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A brief outline of the life of the Buddha and the important places of the Dhamma.

A sketch of the life and teaching of the Buddha. The booklet also includes a synopsis of the six historical councils which were convened to collect and preserve the Buddha's teachings; an explanation of Ashoka´s role in spreading the teaching; and a description of the pilgrimage sites in India.

Published by Vipassana Research Institute, 1992

The Life of the Buddha by by Ven. Ñanamoli Thera

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This remarkable "biography" of the Buddha is drawn entirely from the original Pali texts and is arranged in a unique fashion to tell the story of the Buddha’s life as well as to explain his teaching.Bhikkhu Ñanamoli was born in England in 1905. At the time of his sudden death of heart failure in 1960 he left behind numerous works of translation from the Pali that have become classic standards today.

Extensive notes, list of sources in the Pali canon, index, map of India in Buddha’s time with principal

Paperback, 375 pages

Published by Buddhist Publication Society

The Buddha’s Ancient Path by Ven. Piyadassi Thera

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A prominent monk of Sri Lanka, well-known in both East and West, explains the central teachings of Buddhism, focusing on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. In a lively and inspired style, he explores the path in detail, citing many stories from the Canon and commentaries.

The book includes indices of proper names, and Pali and English terms. It is written in a firm and clear style. These interpretations, authoritative and unimpeachable, may be taken as a trustworthy guide." (I. B. Horner)

Published by Buddhist Publication Society, 1996

What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula

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This perennial favourite presents the basic tenets of the Buddha’s teaching by drawing on the original Pali and explaining the meaning in a thoroughly modern way. The theoretical explanations are very helpful to anyone with a growing interest in the Buddha's teaching. Illustrations and translations of selected suttas, bibliography, glossary and index.

Paperback, 151 pages

Published by Buddhist Missionary Society

The Word of the Buddha by Nyanatiloka Thera

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This short work by the eminent German scholar-monk presents extracts from the original Pali texts, arranged to present the teaching in a concise, coherent fashion.

New edition: 2001

Paperback, 101 pages

Published by Buddhist Publication Society

Last Days of the Buddha

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Last Days of the Buddha (Mahaparinibbana Sutta)

by Sister Vajira and Francis Story.

This work is the Pali Canon´s account of the Buddha´s last journey.

On the stirring final journey of the Buddha, covering three months, the Buddha instructs his disciples on the elements needed to keep the Dhamma strong and stresses the importance of putting his teaching into practice.

The sutta is not only a vivid historical document but a great religious classic.

Includes helpul explanatory notes.

Published by Buddhist Publication Society, 1989

Great Disciples of the Buddha. Their lives, their works, their legacy

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Great Disciples of the Buddha

Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy.

by Nyanaponika Thera und Hellmuth Hecker

Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi. A collection of biographical profiles of 24 men and women whom Buddha named his most outstanding disciples. A beautiful book.

This volume combines all past issues of the BPS´s popular Lives of the Disciples series of Wheel publications. It offers heartening and engaging accounts of twenty-four of the Buddha´s most celebrated disciples, such as Ven. Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, Mahakassapa, Mother Visakha, Kisagotami, etc. The portraits and examples of these men and women will inspire and encourage those trying to walk in their footsteps.

Published by Buddhist Publication Society, 1997

Jataka, or Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births (Vol 1)

Complete text in translation. Hundreds of stories traditionally associated with earlier lives of Gotama the Buddha. Volume 1

Jataka, or Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births (Vol 2)

Complete text in translation. Hundreds of stories traditionally associated with earlier lives of Gotama the Buddha. Volume 2

Jataka, or Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births (Vol 3)

Complete text in translation. Hundreds of stories traditionally associated with earlier lives of Gotama the Buddha. Volume 3

Jataka, or Stories of the Buddha’s Former Births (Vols 1-3)

Complete text in translation. Hundreds of stories traditionally associated with earlier lives of Gotama the Buddha. Volumes 1 to 3