VII.
Suttas
Bhikkhus' Rules: a Guide for
laypeople (the Theravadin Buddhist Monk's rules), Bhikkhu Ariyesako,
Kallista,
Australia: Sanghaloka Forest
Hermitage, 1998, 207p. An excellent book that illustrates the Vinaya rules that
govern the Buddhist monk's life and also how they may affect the lay person.
Subjects that are clearly explained include: becoming a bhikkhu, the rains
retreat, offences, relationships, possessions and offerings, clothing, alms
food, medicines, lodgings, and names and forms of address.
(S#267)
Buddha's Words of Wisdom,
G.F. Allen (compiler),
London: Allen & Unwin, 1959, 88p. A
collection of 365 maxims and utterances attributed to Gotama Buddha for each day
of the year.(Su#013)
Buddhist Bible, Dwight
Goddard (ed.),
Boston: Beacon Press, 1970, 677p.,
0-8070-5951-X. An anthology of sixteen Buddhist texts from a wide range of
sources: Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan, and modern. The theme of the
selections is to show the unreality of all conceptions of a personal ego. Its
purpose is to awaken faith in Buddhahood as being one's true self-nature; to
kindle aspiration to realize one's true Buddha-nature; to energize efforts to
follow the Noble Path.(Su#162)
Buddhist Layman's Code of
Discipline,
Colombo,
Ceylon: Buddhist
Information Centre, 1969, xi, 13p. An introduction and translation of the Sigala
Sutta, the Layman's Code of Discipline.(Su#022)
Buddhist Rules for the
Laity, D.J. Subasinha (transl.),
Taipei,
Taiwan: Buddha Educational
Foundation, 1993, 5th ed., 80p. A translation of the Sigalowada and
Vyaggapajja Suttas together with illustrative stories and notes.(Su#027)
Buddhist Stories from the
Dhammapada Commentary: Part II, E.W. Burlingame (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1985, [65p.],
(WH 324/325).(Su#028)
Connected Discourses of the
Buddha, 2 vols., Bhikkhu Bodhi (ed.),
Somerville,
MA: Wisdom Pub., 2000, 0-86171-168-8. A
complete translation into modern English of the Samyutta Nikaya, the third of
the four great collections in the Sutta Nikaya. The five books are arranged in
fifty-six chapters that contain all the important short discourses of the Buddha
on such major topics as dependent origination, the five aggregates, the six
sense bases, the seven factors of enlightenment, the Noble Eightfold Path, and
the Four Noble Truths. Includes detailed introductions and copious
notes.(Su#239)
Dawn of the Dhamma:
Illuminations from the Buddha's First Discourse, Ven. Sucitto Bhikkhu,
Bangkok:
Buddhadhamma Foundation, 1995, 181p., 974-7890-13-5. A detailed modern
commentary on the Discourse on the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Truth which
includes beautiful calligraphy. Since 1992, the author has been the abbot of
Chithurst Buddhist Monastery in southern England.(Su#091)
Dhammapada, {Sacred
Writings v.6}, John R. Carter (transl.),
New York: Book-of-the-Month Club, 1992, 416p.
This scholarly translation, originally published by Oxford University Press, is
significantly enhanced by the inclusion of the traditional commentary together
with notes drawn from some of the major interpretive works on the Dhammapada written in Sri
Lanka.(Su#229)
Dhammapada: a
Translation, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff),
Barre,
MA: Dhamma Dana Publications, 1999,
2nd ed., 168p. A modern translation by the Abbot of Metta Forrest
Monastery in
California that aims to do justice to both the
form (verse) and the content (Buddhism) of the Dhammapada. Includes an
introduction, historical notes, and end notes.(Su#253)
Dhammapada (Right Path): a
Line by Line Translation in Sinhala and English, O.R. Medonza (transl.),
[
Sri
Lanka], [nd], 143p. A classic anthology of over
400 verses on the ethics, meditation and wisdom of Buddhism. Includes parallel
Sinhala and English text.(Su#032)
Dhammapada: The Buddha's Path
of Wisdom, Acharya Buddharakkhita (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1996, 165p., 955-24-0131-3. A
popular compendium of 423 verses spoken by the Buddha. This masterful
translation transmits the spirit and content as well as the style of the
original, skillfully combining clarity and vigour of expression with careful
fidelity to the meaning. Bhikkhu Bodhi gives a 20-page introduction. Includes
Pali text, light notes, and an index of Pali first lines.(Su#230)
Dhammapada: Pali Text and
Translation with Stories in Brief and Notes, Narada Thera,
Taipei,
Taiwan: Buddha Educational
Foundation, 4th ed., 1993, 333p. A classic anthology of over 400
verses on the ethics, meditation and wisdom of Buddhism. Includes traditional
stories and light commentary.(Su#033)
Dhammapada: the Sayings of
the Buddha, Thomas Byrom (transl.),
London: Wildwood House, 1976, 165p.,
0-7045-0274-7. A classic anthology of over 400 verses on the ethics, meditation
and wisdom of Buddhism. Includes photographs.(Su#092)
Discourse on Right View: the
Sammaditthi Sutta and its Commentary, Bhikkhu Nanamoli (transl.), Bhikkhu
Bodhi (ed.),
Kandy: BPS, 1991, 77p., (WH 377/379)
955-24-0079-1. Translation of the Sammaditthi Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 9) and its
Commentary. This discourse by Ven. Sariputta explains many aspects of kamma, the
Four Noble Truths, and dependent arising.(Su#036)
Eleven Holy Discourses of
Protection (Mahaparitta Suttas), Sao Htun Hmat Win,
Rangoon: Department of
Religious Affairs, 1981, 128p. Protective suttas that are recited as part of
Burmese Buddhist devotions to protect against dangers and
calamities.(Su#040)
Everyman's Ethics, Narada
Thera,
Kandy:
BPS, 1985, 32p.(WH 14) Four discourses by the Buddha that are of particular
value to laypeople: the Sigalovada, Maha-Mangala, Parabhava, and Vyagghapajja
suttas.(Su#143)
Girimananda Sutta: Ten
Contemplations, Nanamoli Bhikkhu (transl.), ,
Kandy: BPS, 1972, 43p., (WH 177). A translation
with commentary of the 60th discourse in the "tens" of the Anguttara
Nikaya. The Buddha instructed Ananda to recount ten specific contemplations to
an ailing Venerable Girimananda in order to facilitate his recovery.(Su#220)
Handful of
Leaves (4 volumes),
Thanissaro Bhikkhu (translator),
Santa
Cruz,
CA: Sati Center
Book Fund, 2003. A four-volume anthology of suttas (discourses) drawn from the
Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. "The suttas selected and translated for these
volumes were chosen for the interest they might hold for a person intent on
understanding and practicing the Dhamma. Some were chosen for their detailed
discussions of basic docrtines; others, for the vivid stories or similes they
used to illustrate those teachings. Although they constitute only a small
portion of the Sutta Pitaka, taken together they present a fairly comprehensive
picture of the Buddha's teachings." Volume 1 contains suttas drawn from the
first two of the five collections comprising the Sutta Pitaka: the Digha Nikaya
(Long Collection) and Majima Nikaya (Middle Collection). Volume 2 covers the
Samyutta Nikaya (Connected). Volume 3 is an anthology of the Anguttara Nikaya
(Numerical). Suttas from the Khuddaka Nikaya make up Volume 4.(Su#278-1 to
#278-4)
Life's Highest Blessings: the
Maha Mangala Sutta, Dr. R.L. Soni,
Kandy: BPS, 1978, 93p., (WH 254/256). A
translation and commentary on the Great Discourse on Blessings that offers
lessons of direct practical value to people of all walks of life.(Su#053)
Long Discourses of the Buddha
(Digha Nikaya), Maurice Walshe (transl.),
Somerville,
MA: Wisdom Publications, 1987, 648p.,
0-86171-103-3. A major collection of 34 longer-length discourses of the Buddha.
These suttas reveal the gentleness, compassion, power, and penetrating wisdom of
the Buddha. Included are teachings on mindfulness; on morality, concentration
and wisdom; on dependent origination; on the roots and causes of wrong views;
and a long description of the Buddha's last days and passing away; along with a
wealth of practical advice and insight for all those traveling along the
spiritual path. Includes illustrations, summaries of the suttas, notes, and an
index.(Su#212)
Magic of the Mind: an
exposition of the Kalakarama Sutta, Bhikkhu Nanananda,
Kandy: BPS, 1974, 92p.,
(BP 405), 955-24-0135-6. The author begins with a humourously conceived parable
of a magic show, followed by an annotated translation of the short but momentous
Kalakarama Sutta. His study centers on the illusory nature of consciousness,
dependent arising, arahatship and nibbana.(Su#158)
Meditation in Relation to
Canonical Study, Ven. Dr. Talalle Dhammananda Maha Nayake Thera, Sri Lanka,
[1988], 7p. A commentary on the Dhamma Vihari Sutta about the balance of
scriptural study and meditation practice.(Su#057)
Metta: The Philosophy and
Practice of Universal Love, Acharya Buddharakkhita,
Kandy: BPS, 1989, 47p.,
(WH 365/366), 955-24-0036-8. A practical introduction to metta (loving-kindness)
meditation, including a translation of the Karaniya Metta Sutta and a discussion
of the fruits and power of metta practice.(Su#142)
Middle Length Discourses of
the Buddha (Majjhima Nikaya), Bhikkhus Nanamoli & Bodhi (transl.),
Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 1995, 1412p., 0-86171-072-X. A major
collection of 152 of the Buddha's discourses. The Majjhima Nikaya might be concisely
described as the Buddhist scripture that combines the richest variety of
contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of
teachings. These teachings, which range from basic ethics to instructions in
meditation and liberating insight, unfold in a fascinating procession of
scenarios that show the Buddha in living dialogue with people from the many
different strata of Indian society. Replete with drama, with reasoned argument,
and with illuminating parables and similes, these suttas exhibit the Buddha in
the full glory of his wisdom, sublimity, and compassionate humanity. Includes an
introduction, summaries of the suttas, notes, and an index.(Su#211)
Numerical Discourses of the
Buddha: An Anthology of Suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya, Nyanaponika Thera
& Bhikkhu Bodhi (transl.), Lanham, MA: AtltaMira Press, 1999, 333p.,
0-7425-0405-0. These discourses are called numerical because they retain the
structure of the original Anguttara
Nikaya. Sayings are organized not by topic, but by numbers mentioned in the
texts. This organizational theme, common in ancient Indian literature, can give
the reader a haphazard view of the Buddha's teachings. To balance this tendency,
Bhikkhu Bodhi provides a systematic introduction to the Buddha's teachings in
the Anguttara Nikaya. The translators
also provide notes, a glossary, and another introduction placing the Anguttara Nikaya in the context of the
larger Pali Canon.(Su#213)
Prajna Paramita Heart
Sutra, Tripitaka Master Hsuan Tsang and Ven. Dharma Master Lok To (transl.),
New York:
Sutra Translation Committee of the
U.S. and
Canada, 1995,
71p. One of the most important sutras of Mahayana Buddhism. The sutra concisely
formulates the teaching of emptiness.(Su#103)
Ratthapala Sutta,
Nanamoli Thera (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1983, 24p., (WH 110). The story of
a young man who goes forth into homelessness against the wishes of his parents
and later returns to visit them. Includes brief notes.(Su#129)
Removal of Distracting
Thoughts,
Kandy: BPS, 1981, 30p, WH 21. A translation of
the Vitakka Santhana Sutta in which the Buddha offers techniques to dismiss
distracting thoughts.(Su#178)
Scale of Good Deeds: the
Message of the Velama Sutta, Susan Elbaum Jootla,
Kandy: BPS, 1990, 32p.,
(WH 372), 955-24-0083-X. What should be the goal of human life? What is good
action? In this short discourse, the Buddha arranges the various kinds of good
deeds into a scale or ladder.(Su#123)
Selection[s] from Dhammapada,
Sayings of the Buddha, Piyadassi Thera (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1974,
71p.(Su#116)
Sutta-Nipata, H.
Saddhatissa (transl.),
Surrey, GB: Curzon,
1994, 135p., 0-7007-0181-8. This contemporary prose translation of a collection
of the Buddha's shorter-length discourses presents a code of conduct that
provides the basis for a system of moral philosophy. Contains a rational,
straight-forward understanding of the ethics and psychology of
Buddhism.(Su#209)
That the Dhamma Might Last a
Long Time, Readings selected by King Asoka, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (transl.),
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia: WAVE,
[2000], 45p. Excerpts from the Pali canon by King Asoka, Indian monarch who
reigned 270-232 B.C. The passages were used to teach his populace--Buddhists and
non-Buddhists--the value of making the Dhamma a reality in their
lives.(Su#185)
Theragatha: The Elders'
Verses I, {Pali Text Society Translation Series No. 38}, K.R. Norman
(transl.),
London: PTS, 1969, 117p. An incomplete
photocopy of the verses attributed to the early members of the
Sangha.(Su#231)
Therigatha: A
Revaluation, Vijitha Rajapakse,
Kandy: BPS, 1999, 46p., (WH 436/437),
955-24-0195-X. An essay that explores the Therigatha which is an ancient
anthology of verses ascribed to early Buddhist nuns. The author, a Sri Lankan
scholar who has studied in
Canada, highlights the specifically
feminine quality of the verses, showing how they exemplify women's own
distinctive approach to the spiritual life.(Su#216)
Three Cardinal Discourses of
the Buddha, Bhikkhu Ņanamoli (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1972, 31p. (WH 17). Translations of
three essential suttas from the Pali Canon: the first sermon
(Dhammacakkappavattana sutta), the Discourse on Not-self (Anattalakkhana sutta),
and the Fire Sermon (Adittapariyaya sutta). With Introduction and extensive
notes. (Su#127)
Transcendental Dependent
Arising: a Translation and Exposition of the Upanisa Sutta, Bhikkhu Bodhi,
Kandy: BPS,
1980, 64p., (WH 277/278). The seldom-studied Upanisa Sutta contains an important
alternative presentation of the principle of dependent arising, offering a
"roadmap" of the entire path of practice as it progresses towards final
liberation.(Su#076)
Treasure of the Dhamma,
Dr. K Sri Dhammananda (compiler),
Kuala
Lumpur,
Malaysia: Buddhist Missionary
Society, 1994, 355p., 967-9920-62-3. A wide ranging collection of passages from
the Pali Canon in modern English translation. The excerpts are arranged in
fifteen sections including: The Buddha, The Noble Doctrine, Morality, The Mind,
Kamma, The World Within, The World Around You, The World Beyond You, Women's
Place in Buddhism, and Practice. Includes a subject index.(Su#198)
Udana and the Itivuttaka: Two
Classics from the Pali Canon, John D. Ireland (transl.),
Kandy: BPS, 1997, 266p.,
(BP 214S), 955-24-0164-X. The Udana
is a collection of 80 short suttas, each beginning with a memorable incident
that comes to the Buddha's attention and elicits from him an "inspired
utterance" expressing his insight into the event's deeper significance. The Itivuttaka consists of 112 suttas in
mixed prose and verse. According to tradition, these suttas were collected by
the servant woman Khujjuttara, the Buddha's most learned woman lay follower,
from sermons given by him in Kosambi. Includes notes.(Su#148)
Uposatha Sila: the
Eight-Precept Observance, Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (Nanavara Thera),
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia: WAVE,
1993, 2nd ed., 33p., 974-88811-0-5. A translation of the Uposatha
Sutta along with an explanation in question and answer format. Originally
intended for those taking annual religious exams in Thailand.(Su#182)
Visible Here and
Now: the Buddha's Teachings on the Rewards of the Spiritual
Practice, Ayya Khema,
Boston:
Shambhala Pubs., 2001, 214p., 1-57062-492-5. A practical commentary to the sutta
that contains the Buddha's teachings in response to King Ajatasattu. Why, the
king asked, should we give up the satisfactions of worldly life and devote
ourselves to meditation? What are the tangible benefits - "visible here and now"
- to be gained by following the Buddha's way? In answering this question, the
Buddha provides a compact synopsis of the entirety of the spiritual path, and
Ayya Khema expands on this with her characteristic approach - simple, direct,
experiential, and compassionate.(Su#277)
Wings to Awakening: An
Anthology from the Pali Canon, Translated and Explained by Thanissaro
Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff),
Barre,
MA:
Dhamma Dana Publications, 1996, 352p. An anthology of the core seven sets of the
Buddha's teachings (bodhi-pakkhiya-dhamma) together with essays penned by the
compiler. The 37 wings to awakening, also known as the 37 requisites of
enlightenment, include: four frames of reference, four right exertions, four
bases of power, five faculties, five strengths, seven factors of awakening, and
the noble eightfold path.(Su#152)
Worn Out Skin: Contemplations
on a Buddhist Poem, the Serpent Simile, Nyanaponika Thera,
Kandy: BPS, 1977, 62p.,
(WH 241/242). A lucid commentary on the Uraga Sutta that illustrates the
significance and power of true freedom "just as a serpent sheds its worn-out
skin".(Su#083)