Numerical Discourses of the Buddha

by Nyanaponika Thera, Bhikkhu Bodhi

Drawn from the Anguttara Nikaya, Numerical Discourses of the Buddha brings together teachings of the Buddha ranging from basic ethical observances recommended to the busy man or woman of the world, to the more rigorous instructions on mental training prescribed for the monks and nuns. The Anguttara Nikaya is a part of the Pali Canon, the authorized recension of the Buddha's Word for followers of Theravada Buddhism, the form of Buddhism prevailing in the Buddhist countries of southern Asia. These discourses are called numerical because they retain the structure of the original Anguttara Nikaya. Sayings are organized not by topic, but by numbers mentioned in the texts. This organizational scheme, common in ancient Indian literature, can give the reader a haphazard view of the Buddha's teachings. To balance this tendency, Bhikku Bodhi provides a systematic introduction to the Buddha's teachings. To balance this tendency, Bhikku Bodhi provides a systematic introduction to the Buddha's Teaching in the Anguttara Nikaya. The translators also provide notes, a glossary, and another introduction placing the Anguttara Nikaya in the context of the larger Theravada Buddhist Canon. This readable butt precise translation will be welcomed by both students of Theravada Buddhism as well as anyone wishing to learn from the Buddha's teachings.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality

351 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Venerable Nyanaponika Thera or Nyanaponika Mahathera was a German-born Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar who, after ordaining in Sri Lanka, later became the co-founder of the Buddhist Publication Society and author of numerous seminal books and articles on Theravada Buddhism. He mentored and taught a whole generation of Western Buddhist leaders such as Bhikkhu Bodhi.

Reviews

[Readingfaithfullyorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book if you can find a copy. It has been out of print for some time.

Now the complete translation by Bhikkhu Bodhi has been published by Wisdom Publications.

[Craig Kissho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly a gem - translating the collection of the sayings of the Buddha as memorised and recited by the keepers of the Dhamma. Siince the written form only existed some 600 years after Buddha's death, the wordings may not be completely accurate, but they're the closest one could get to hearing the Buddha's actual words.

In his long ministry all over North India the Buddha was thrown all sorts of questions, many of which people still ask today. Here he answers them all with sublime clarity and confidence. Common accusations - such as his teachings of 'negativity', 'inaction' or nihilistic tendecy were dispelled thoroughly. Misconceptions about suffering, celibacy, renunciation, etc were also corrected. Guidance on how to live a good 'householder's life' and even managing wealth were dispensed by the Master himself.

This book is by far the best book on Buddhism i've ever read, i couldn't put it down and wished it would never finish. It makes me want to proclaim out loud, just like the many charcaters in dialogues with the Buddha - "excellent, master Gotama! excellent, master Gotama! it is just as if one were to set upright what was overturned, or to point out the way to one gone astray, or to hold a lamp in the darkness so that those who have eyes might see forms."

[Craig Shoemake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend this short, punchy and eminently readable selection of passages and suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya, one of the five main “baskets” of texts making up the Pali Sutta Pitaka of the Theravadan school. The translation by Nyanaponika Thera (BB’s mentor) was originally published in the BPS Wheel Series in three volumes. Bhikkhu Bodhi has cleaned up this translation, as well as added extensive (and quite helpful) endnotes. The result is the most accessible Anguttara Nikaya available for non-Pali readers.

Readers should be aware that this is in no way an attempt at a complete translation. In many cases, only a paragraph or two has been kept from any given sutta, and from the final ”Chapter of the Elevens” only one text (a snippet of a sutta) was included. Obviously then, there will be many passages that people might hope to have found that will not be here, as the choice of what to put in and what to leave out has been entirely a matter of personal inclination (specifically Nyanaponika’s).

What I perhaps most appreciated about this book was its high number of practice oriented texts. Too often Buddhist philosophy can seem remote or technical, and for those that find philosophy in the abstract too…well…abstract, this should be a welcome addition to the personal library. There are lots of passages here one can easily write down and stick in the wallet, or pin next to the computer, to remind and encourage oneself. And ultimately, this of course is what it is all about–how to make ourselves better, more conscientious and conscious human beings.

Newsflash!!

"Wisdom Publications has received Bhikkhu Bodhi’s new translation of the Anguttara Nikaya, which is currently being reviewed by our editor. Any available information or updates on this project will be announced in the Wisdom Reader e-Newsletter" (from the Wisdom Publications website).

[Jesús Carlos · Rating 2 out of 5]

No me gusto aburrido y repetitivo, definitivamente el budismo no es para mi, se me hace tramposo ya que plantea para evitar el sufrimiento deja de tener placeres , deja de tener apegos, no quieras a nadie para que no sufras si los pierdes, es como la fábula de la zorra que al no poder comerse una uvas, dice que al fin estaban verdes