The Buddha Speaks

by Anne Bancroft

Book Overview

Here is the core of the Buddha's teaching in his own words, as it was memorized word-for-word by his disciples and written down two hundred years after his death. These selections from the Buddhist... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570624933
• ISBN13: 9781570624933
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Shambhala Publications
• Length: 133 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

First book i read on buddhism

Like the title, this is the first book i read when looking into the topic of buddhism, besides the World Encyclopedia ( my desire to learn about Buddhism was great so i read anything i could on it) I found this book at a Barnes & Noble book store and looked in the eastern philosophy section, and this one caught my eye. Its a not a huge book, but its just the right size, both in physical size and in page length. On a side note, i liked the paper it was printed with. Always wanting to get the purist representation of Buddhism, i looked for actual scripture oh Buddhism, and this book had actual accounted quotes he made. So i felt that was a great start. And i must say, that i took many wonderful things from this book as i ready it. Many a times i felt a bolt realization when id read over a certain passage, i felt a sense of happiness i never knew before. I felt some peace, i felt clarity and again so much peace. As i read some statements, some of the scripture would really hit me and speak to me, it gave me i sort of high. I felt wonderful, learning and realizing thing about the world and my self and about truth. I would later find actual recorded sutras in books and things from other authors, but this was a great place to start. I learned so much and was deeply touched and inspired by some of things said. Each time id visit the book store, id go and find this book, until i finally read it all. It was like a daily devotional for me. I even took notes. Within the experience i had of being a Buddhist, i always remember the wonderful beautiful transcending peace that i had. The oneness i felt with the earth and nature. The mastering of my mind and the body. I was alive and in turn put me in the best shape physically. Life was simple as i slowly realized more and more. This book changed my life becouse it is what encouraged me to follow the Buddhist way. So that was a big life changer. This was one of first favorite Buddhist books. Great memorable book when i was a buddhist. Recalling all that, it makes me want to consider it again, to put into practice. Recommended

DIRECT FROM THE BUDDHA

Anne Bancroft does a wonderful job of giving us the ACTUAL words of the Buddha and only the Buddha. She selflessly steps aside and let's Buddha's words speak for themselves. Many introductory books on Buddhism or Buddha's teaching are filled with miles and miles and miles and miles of commentary and interpretation by the editors as if they themselves were the enlightened one and Buddha is just an afterthought. They go on and on about what they think Buddhism is and what they think Buddha means and what we should think about what the Buddha said. Occasionally we'll get a snippet of what Buddha actually said, usually only to support the author's interpretation. In many of these books I wondered when if ever I would ever read what Buddha actually said. Buddha was a very literate and lucid speaker. I think most anyone can understand his words if you can just get your hands on what he actually said. We don't need miles of interpretation, commentary and present day scenarios. Buddha's words are as valid today as they were 2500+ years ago. Anyone can understand them if you could just read them in a simple and comfortably arranged fashion like this book. With only a wonderfully brief 2-1/2 page preface, we get right into what Buddha actually said. What a concept! Kudos to Anne Bancroft. Anne does a great job of culling out great gems from the vast Buddhist texts. It's an introductory book, so the deepest teachings are only hinted at here and there but they're there. You begin feeling calm and well as the the Buddha was supremely calm and well in mind, body and soul. Books of commentary probably have there place somewhere but it is really nice to have an editor just let the words speak for themselves. If you want the truth, plain and simple, with a book that you can read again and again even ten years from now, get this book. Thank You Anne Bancroft.

Like having the Buddha by your side

This will be a welcome addition to your Buddhist book collection. Anne Bancroft has done a wonderful job of collecting and arranging some of the Buddha's most enlightening sayings. I must say that I enjoyed reading this more thna any other book on the topic in recent memory. I promise you that you will want to buy more than one copy of this book, as you will find your self handing it out to everyone of your friends and family who ask the question, "Say what is that Buddhism all about?" Enjoy. . .