Basic Teachings of the Buddha Modern Library 2007 / 181 pp. Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama Wallis, Glenn New Releases Root/Buddhism / General Buddha and Buddhism Root/Buddhism / Theravada Sutras (Sacred Scriptures) Trade Paper 978-0-8129-7523-9 $14.95 Register for Discount!

"In Basic Teachings of the Buddha, Glenn Wallis selects sixteen essential dialogues drawn from more than five thousand Pali-dialect suttas of the Buddhist canon.

The result is a vibrant introductory guide to studying Buddhist thought, applying its principles to everyday life, and gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhist themes in modern literature. Focusing on the most crucial topics for today’s readers, Wallis presents writings that address modern psychological, religious, ethical, and philosophical concerns. This practical, inspiring, and engaging volume provides an overview of the history of Buddhism and an illuminating analysis of the core writings that personalizes the suttas for each reader." ~Publisher "In this masterful new commentary on the earliest Buddhist writings, Professor Wallis challenges us with sixteen propositions about human existence itself. Only in this way, he asserts, can modern readers appreciate the Buddha's analysis of the two trajectories facing human beings - toward pain or toward peace. Wallis offers fresh translations and a reader's guide to sixteen discourses that eloquently illustrate these choices and their implications for our time. All this is introduced by the author's learned reflection on the idiom, meaning, and historical evolution of the Dhamma, Buddha's deepest insights. Glenn Wallis brings wisdom and compassion to this work of scholarship. Everyone should read this book." ~Christopher Queen, Harvard University