This rich new selected anthology of Buddhist texts brings together works from a broad range representing different periods, origins, traditions and schools. While Buddhism has no central text such as the Bible or the Koran, there is a powerful, vast body of scriptures from across Asia that encompasses the Dharma, or the teachings of the Buddha. This book contains texts presented in English for the first time as well as new translations of some well-known works, plus an informative introduction. There are tales of the Buddha's past lives from the Jatakas, the life of the Buddha, the Buddhist universe and cosmology, monastic life, meditation, rituals and practices, and an exploration of the many meanings of enlightenment. Together they provide a vivid picture of the Buddha and of the profound nature of the Buddhist tradition.
