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  • The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha

  • A Translation of the Majjhima Nikāya
  • Written by: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, Bhikkhu Bodhi
  • Narrated by: Taradasa
  • Length: 47 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha

Written by: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, Bhikkhu Bodhi
Narrated by: Taradasa
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Publisher's Summary

This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikāya, or Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pāli Canon, the authorised scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection - among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings - consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections. 

The Majjhima Nikaya might be concisely described as the Buddhist scripture that combines the richest variety of contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of teachings. These teachings, which range from basic ethics to instructions in meditation and liberating insight, unfold in a fascinating procession of scenarios that show the Buddha in living dialogue with people from many different strata of ancient Indian society: with kings and princes, priests and ascetics, simple villagers and erudite philosophers. Replete with drama, reasoned argument, and illuminating parable and simile, these discourses exhibit the Buddha in the full glory of his resplendent wisdom, majestic sublimity and compassionate humanity. 

The translation is based on an original draft translation left by the English scholar-monk Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, which has been edited and revised by the American monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, who provides a long introduction and helpful explanatory notes. Combining lucidity of expression with accuracy, this translation enables the Buddha to speak across 25 centuries in language that addresses the most pressing concerns of the contemporary listener seeking clarification of the timeless issues of truth, value and the proper conduct of life. Winner of the 1995 Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book Award and the Tricycle Prize for Excellence in Buddhist Publishing for Dharma Discourse.

©1995 Bhikkhu Bodhi (P)2019 Ukemi Productions Ltd

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A life changing book

This audible is to be heard over and over again; direct words from the Buddha.

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  • 2021-01-11

Gem

This is probably not where a beginner to Buddhism should start. I would suggest Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron or the Dalai Lama as better entry points for folks new to the teachings. That said if you're experienced in modern teachings of Buddhist thought and want to understand how those teachers became learned this is as close as modern English gets to the original source. This is an amazing work of dedication and love that has entered into my top 5 books I would grab in an apocalypse or just an extended trip to a desert isle.

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Repetitive

Monotonous and dreary repetition. This may be a worthy topic of study but this audiobook is not the way to achieve it. The Sutras can be read in 100th of the time this diatribe takes to do it. Just not worth the effort. Good Luck if you ignore my review.

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