Buddha and his dhamma: two lectures on Buddhism

by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Two lectures on Buddhism by Bhikkhu Bodhi. The first part explores the Buddha's mission, the second his doctrine and path. excerpt from the introduction- "That the Buddha's teaching should remain perennially relevant throughout the changing eras of human history, that his message should be undimmed by the sheer passage of time, is already implicit in the title by which he is most commonly known. For the word "Buddha," as is widely known, is not a proper name but an honorific title meaning "the Enlightened One," "the Awakened One." This title is given to him because he has woken up from the deep sleep of ignorance in which the rest of the world is absorbed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism

48 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2001

About the author

Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American Buddhist monk from New York City. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1944, he obtained a BA in philosophy from Brooklyn College (1966) and a PhD in philosophy from Claremont Graduate School (1972).

Drawn to Buddhism in his early 20s, after completing his university studies he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in 1972 and full ordination in 1973, both under the late Ven. Ananda Maitreya, the leading Sri Lankan scholar-monk of recent times.

He was appointed editor of the Buddhist Publication Society (in Sri Lanka) in 1984 and its president in 1988. Ven. Bodhi has many important publications to his credit, either as author, translator, or editor, including the Buddha — A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (co-translated with Ven. Bhikkhu Nanamoli (1995), The Connected Discourses of the Buddha — a New Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya (2000), and In the Buddha’s Words (2005).

In May 2000 he gave the keynote address at the United Nations on its first official celebration of Vesak (the day of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing away). He returned to the U.S. in 2002. He currently resides at Chuang Yen Monastery and teaches there and at Bodhi Monastery. He is currently the chairman of Yin Shun Foundation.

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 as it felt more could have been comprised in to this novela of sorts. A short but influencial telling of some aspects of the Buddha's life. As someone who is studying Buddhism for Gcse I am greatful for the additional knowledge and insight this book has brought me and would recommend to anyone who is interested in the origin of the Buddha. If you are considering this you will find it as a free audiobook on the 'Play Books' app - hope this helps!

[Rodeweeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short little book I read on the Open Buddhist University website. Nothing new, but it is always good to be reminded. Great book for a quick introduction to the Buddha and his most important teachings.

[K Morlando · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Buddha and his beliefs.

[Helen Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very short but provides enough information. It was free too so can't complain. Was an hour of learning.