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Books covering Sutta’s to read on a plane or beach. Recommendations ?
Alex
UK Veteran
I’ve got holidays pleasantly looming and would be great to read something satisfying and improve my practice. As much as I love a Thich Nhat Hanh or six, I could use something to aid me on the path that’s more ‘technical’ (maybe the wrong word, but hopefully you’ll understand the spirit).
Something covering suttas.
Got to be manageable size, no Encyclopedia type stuff (I do have a kindle though, not sure how workable with footnotes, glossaries etc ).
Any thoughts ?
1
Comments
Hi @Alex
For starters I would recommend "In the Buddha's Words" written by Bhikkhu Bodhi.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/in-the-buddha-s-words-bhikkhu-bodhi/book/9780861714919.html?source=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzJbX-7Pc5wIVl7aWCh1IEgXMEAYYASABEgIasfD_BwE
Basically he has taken all the most relevant sections out of the Sutta Pitaka and put them in chronological order from Gotama going forth right through to his words after his enlightenment.
Thanks @bunks I’ve been thinking about this one for a while. Time for me to avariciously grasp the horns of materialism ! (Code for ordering via Amazon Prime 😉).
You won’t be able to fit it in your pocket mate! It’s quite big
@bunks thank you and no worries ! It’s on order, arrives tomorrow 👍
Does it come in Kindle format?
@FeistyGibblets it does, but I think there are footnotes etc., which might make the kindle version a little painful, re constant referencing to other pages, etc.,
I’ve ordered the paperback, I do love a book too ❤️
Me too. Nothing quite beats turning pages. But I'm going to Thailand in September so a kindle with some books will be easier luggage-wise
@FeistyGibblets oooooooh where in Thailand ?! I’ve done Koh Samui and Phuket, beautiful places. Great beaches, food, temples and lovely people. You’ll have an amazing time 👍🙏
I'm going to Phuket. While others are off doing touristy things (which I will no doubt indulge in at one stage), I would like to visit some temples. We're also going to visit an elephant sanctuary where we will have the privilege of washing and feeding the elephants. I told people flat out that I will not ride an elephant and neither should anyone else (that's just my personal gripe). I'm really looking forward to it.
The other book I would recommend as far as as sutras are concerned is Buddhist Scriptures by Edward Conze. You can download it here as a pdf:
https://www.holybooks.com/buddhist-scriptures-by-edward-conze/
Its a bit older but it is interesting as it is a warts-and-all translation including all the magical bits of the original Pali. From the point of view of determining what to believe this is a good counterpoint to more cleaned up modern revisions.