
Buddhist Scriptures (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Early Teachings, Pali Canon Excerpts, Jataka Stories, and the Doctrine of Non-SelfBy Edward Joseph ThomasLength3h 35m
About this audiobook
Buddhist Scriptures presents a carefully chosen gateway into the canonical and devotional literature of Buddhism, bringing together teachings, dialogues, verses, and narratives that illuminate the Buddha's doctrine and its early transmission. Edward Joseph Thomas's prose is lucid, restrained, and philologically attentive, shaped by the early twentieth-century scholarly tradition of rendering Asian religious texts intelligible to English readers. The volume stands in the context of comparative religion and Orientalist textual scholarship, yet its selections preserve the ethical urgency, contemplative discipline, and narrative simplicity characteristic of Buddhist literature. Thomas was a distinguished British scholar of Buddhism whose work drew deeply on Pali and Sanskrit sources and on the historical study of Indian religion. His broader writings on the life of the Buddha and the development of Buddhist thought reveal a sustained effort to separate legend, doctrine, and historical context without diminishing their religious significance. Buddhist Scriptures reflects this intellectual formation: it is the work of a scholar concerned not merely with translation, but with guiding readers toward the structure and spirit of a tradition. This book is recommended to readers seeking a concise, serious introduction to Buddhist textual heritage. Students of religion, philosophy, and Asian literature will find it especially valuable as a disciplined entrance into Buddhist ethics, metaphysics, and spiritual imagination.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length3 hrs 35 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMar 30, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Buddhist Scriptures (Annotated)
17XII. The Questions of Uttiya
2Introduction
18XIII. The Questions of Vacchagotta
3Historical Context
19XIV. Birth-Story of the Blessings of the Commandments
4Synopsis (Selection)
20XV. Birth-Story of King Mahāsīlava
5Introduction
21XVI. Birth-Story of the City With Four Gates
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6I. The Dream of Queen Māyā
22XVII. The Pig-Faced Ghost
7II. The Birth of Gotama
23XVIII. The Jewel Discourse. A Spell
8III. The Four Signs
24XIX. Dhaniya the Herdsman
9IV. The Great Renunciation
25XX. Buddha's Visit to Chunda
10V. The Chain of Causation
26XXI. The Death of Buddha
11VI. The Beginning of Buddha's Preaching
27XXII. The Non-Existence of Individuality
12VII. The Ordination of Yasa
28XXIII. Non-Individuality and Moral Responsibility
13VIII. The Ten Commandments
29Analysis
14IX. The Fire Discourse
30Reflection
15X. The Weaver's Daughter
31Memorable Quotes
16XI. The Questions of Mālunkyāputta