Buddhist Scriptures (Penguin Classics)

WARNING!The "newer version" of this item IS NOT THE SAME BOOK AT ALL!AMAZON claims that "There is a newer edition of this item:Buddhist Scriptures (Penguin Classics) Buddhist Scriptures (Penguin Classics) 4.4 out of 5 stars (7)" - IT IS NOT!That so-called "newer edition of this item" is a completely different collection based on different organizing principals. It is by Donald Lopez (Editor). It is a very worthy book - with excellent new translations placed in a rather useful but limited context - (it has a faint overtone of a a "fairy-tales collection" approach).Conze's "Buddhist Scriptures" is intended to counterbalance the "philosophy" approach of his classic "Buddhist Texts through the Ages" with a presentation of "Buddhism as a religious life" approach. This "popular Buddhism angle" is the similarity of these 2 texts, one edited by Conze, the greatest translator of 'Perfection of Wisdom Texts' in our century, one edited by Dr. Lopez, a competent very well respected academic. The first half of his "The Heart Sutra Explained" (Suny Series in Buddhist Studies) was of especial interest to me because later commentaries in Tibet and China often present that text within there-own new context for those ideas.

This is a great condesing of Buddhist writings from the huge volume available into a small amount that all schools can agree on. 50% Of this was excellent staying with the true psychcological aspects of Buddhism I enjoy, mixed with 50% mythology of Buddhas past lives and the migration of the soul after death. If you are a beginner I would suggest staying with the Dhammapada, Four Noble Truths, and the eightfold path.That is where enlightenment rests and is all that is needed. Come and see.

Edward Conze's _Buddhist Scriptures_ was my introduction to the field of Buddhism as philosophy and metaphysics and I regard it as still the best primer in print for anyone who wants to get a good idea and sense of what Buddhism and basic Buddhist doctrine are without going into the actual mechanics of Buddhist practice too deeply. There are other books in print in English that do that.Edward Conze was a remarkable scholar and his translations and compilation of Buddhist Scriptures from Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese are greatly clear and accessible, without assuming that the reader has all the intelligence of a brickbat._Buddhist Scriptures_ is a great read for anyone who is interested in the philosophical and metaphysical conceptions of Buddhism and the doctrines that are derived from them. Even for the mildly interested and religiously skeptical layman who wants to know something of the background of Buddhism, its origins, and its basic doctrines, this book is greatly informative and very readable.

Conze's book has survived many years of use, and still seems to be a very helpful introduction to a massively complex subject: the canon of Buddhist Scriptures. As Conze makes clear, Buddhist Scriptures in their entirety comprise hundreds of volumes and hundreds of thousands of pages. Nonetheless his short selection (or 242 pages) captures some essential principles and vivid descriptions of Buddhist belief and practice. Though such a short work cannot be finally authoritative, Conze has selected those works he believes have attained the greatest consensus in the Buddhist community - from Mahayana, Theravada or Zen sources. The reader will be glad of reading this book, though for those non initiated in Buddhism a more elementary reader (such as those by Huston Smith or Walpola Rahula) will no doubt help.

This is by far my favorite book on the subject of Buddhism. This is one of a handful of books that just like a great music album, I can go from start to end with on a regular basis and never get tired of.

I didn’t like the font size. It is too small.

A concise collection of maxims that is missing context or any deep explanation. Turn to this book if you want to feel good without thinking too hard.

This was my first, and still is my little favorite, for its selection, translation, erudition, and explanation. Only limitation is its limited depth in any one area, but that, of course, is necessary in any abridgment.

I'm very satisfied with my book!

A true classic.

First found this book 35 years ago and took it everywhere in my glove compartment as a source of inspirationin traffic jams! A great taster for those interested in Buddhism generally.

Ok, not an easy read and a few of the scriptures lean towards sexist but considering the age in which they are written I'm not surprised.Very interesting to read and learn from, need a bit of thought to work out how to apply the teachings to modern day-to-day life but I wasn't expecting an idiots guide.

Same friend