The Heart Essence of the Buddha's Original Teachings by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Brilliantly translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi, this anthology of suttas from the Saṃyutta Nikāya of the Pali Canon takes us straight to the heart of the Buddha’s teaching on liberation through the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path—the two mainstays of Buddhist doctrine that illuminate the nature of things by generating direct insight into the teachings. These suttas all pertain to the ultimate good, the attainment of nibbāna or liberation. They illuminate the Buddha’s radical diagnosis of the human condition—and more broadly, the condition of all sentient existence—in light of the four noble truths. They underscore the pervasive flaws inherent in the round of rebirths, trace our existential predicament to its deepest roots, and lay out the path to unraveling our bondage and winning irreversible release.
Ven. Bodhi arranged the chapters, each with its own introduction, to provide an overview of the Dhamma that mirrors the four noble truths, thus enabling students of Early Buddhism to see into the heart of the Buddha’s teachings as directly and clearly as possible.
Hardcover
200 pages, 6 x 8.5 inches
“Once again, with inimitable grace and accuracy Bhikkhu Bodhi has compiled a collection of teachings of the Buddha with a specific aim in mind. In this volume he explores and elucidates the four noble truths, which, as the implicit framework of the whole teaching, means this humble volume maps the terrain that forms the context for the entire Buddhadhamma. It is thus a precious and reliable guide to a vast spiritual domain, and I cannot recommend it too highly.” —Ven. Ajahn Amaro, Abbot, Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, UK
