An Enlightening Journey into Buddhist Wisdom: A Review of ‘A Buddhist Bible’

Introduction

Welcome to my book review of “A Buddhist Bible”. In this blog post, I will be discussing my thoughts and reactions to this influential book on Buddhism. I hope you find this review insightful and helpful in understanding the importance of this literary work.

Book Information

• Book Name: A Buddhist Bible
• Author: Dwight Goddard
• Publisher: E-BOOKARAMA (29 April 2023)
• Language: English
• File Size: 1454 KB
• Print Length: 151 pages
• ASIN: B08B4D6LLL
• Rating: 4.5

Summary

“A Buddhist Bible” is a comprehensive anthology of Buddhist texts from various traditions, including Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan, and modern sources. It aims to provide readers with a foundation in classical Buddhist thought. The book has been influential in popularizing Buddhism and has introduced key texts of modern Buddhism to the English-speaking world.

About the Author

Dwight Goddard, the author of “A Buddhist Bible”, was not only a writer but also a practitioner of Buddhism. He self-published the first edition of the book in Vermont in 1932. Goddard’s work has played a significant role in introducing Buddhism to the Western world.

Writing Style and Techniques

Goddard’s writing style in “A Buddhist Bible” is clear and accessible. He carefully selected and compiled texts from various Buddhist traditions, providing readers with a diverse range of perspectives. The book’s inclusion of both Eastern and Western writings on Buddhism makes it a valuable resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the religion.

My Thoughts and Reactions

I found “A Buddhist Bible” to be an enlightening read. The selection of texts allowed me to explore different aspects of Buddhism and gain insights from various perspectives. The book’s organization and structure made it easy to navigate and delve into specific topics of interest. I appreciated Goddard’s efforts in bringing together such a wide range of Buddhist texts into a single volume.

Comparisons and Context

Compared to other books on Buddhism, “A Buddhist Bible” stands out for its comprehensive collection of source documents. It provides a broader and more diverse range of texts compared to many other introductory books on Buddhism. Additionally, the book’s historical significance and influence on the growth of Buddhism in the English-speaking world make it an invaluable resource for those interested in the subject.

Rating and Recommendation

I would rate “A Buddhist Bible” with a score of 4.5 out of 5. It is an essential read for anyone interested in Buddhism, whether they are new to the religion or seeking a deeper understanding. The book’s wide range of texts and Goddard’s careful curation make it an excellent resource for both scholars and general readers.

Conclusion

“A Buddhist Bible” is a remarkable collection of Buddhist texts that has had a profound impact on the growth and understanding of Buddhism in the English-speaking world. Dwight Goddard’s careful compilation of source documents from various traditions provides readers with a solid foundation in classical Buddhist thought. I highly recommend this book to both beginners and experienced practitioners of Buddhism.

Buy Now