The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digha Nikaya (The Teachings of the Buddha)

This book offers a complete translation of the Digha Nikaya, the long discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pali Canon, the authorized scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection--among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings, given in India two and a half thousand years ago--consists of thirty-four longer-length suttas, or discourses, distinguished as such from the middle-length and shorter suttas of the other collections. These suttas reveal the gentleness, compassion, power, and penetrating wisdom of the Buddha. Included are teachings on mindfulness (Mahasatipatthana Sutta); on morality, concentration, and wisdom (Subha Sutta); on dependent origination (Mahanidrana Sutta); on the roots and causes of wrong views (Brahmajala Sutta); and a long description of the Buddha's last days and passing away (Mahaparinibbana Sutta); along with a wealth of practical advice and insight for all those travelling along the spiritual path. Venerable Sumedho Thera writes in his foreword: "[These suttas] are not meant to be 'sacred scriptures' that tell us what to believe. One should read them, listen to them, think about them, contemplate them, and investigate the present reality, the present experience, with them. Then, and only then, can one insightfully know the truth beyond words." Introduced with a vivid account of the Buddha's life and times and a short survey of his teachings, The Long Discourses of the Buddha brings us closer in every way to the wise and compassionate presence of Gotama Buddha and his path of truth. Of the Thirty-Four Suttas -- 1. Brahmajala Sutta: The Supreme Net - What the Teaching Is Not -- 2. Samannaphala Sutta: The Fruits of the Homeless Life -- 3. Ambattha Sutta: About Ambattha - Pride Humbled -- 4. Sonadanda Sutta: About Sonadanda - The Qualities of a True Brahmin -- 5. Kutadanta Sutta: About Kutadanta - A Bloodless Sacrifice -- 6. Mahali Sutta: About Mahali - Heavenly Sights, Soul and Body -- 7. Jaliya Sutta: About Jaliya -- 8. Mahasihanada Sutta: The Great Lion's Roar -- 9. Potthapada Sutta: About Potthapada - States of Consciousness -- 10. Subha Sutta: About Subha - Morality, Concentration, Wisdom -- 11. Kevaddha Sutta: About Kevaddha - What Brahma Didn't Know