Paperback. White title on the orange cover.

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Please view the photographs of this rare book. First printed in 1925. I have an identical blue leather bound copy dated 1945. This is a superb selection from the Pali Canon. It’s very much an old style translation that uses words not commonly found in more modern ones. Norm is used throughout rather than Dhamma, and Ariyan used more than Noble when describing the “Four Noble truths” or ” Four Ariyan Truths”. This is interesting as the original word Ariyan is more accurate and as the book was translated long before the usage of the word in the 1930’s and subsequent decades it tells of a time gone by. Personally I find the translation beautiful and the structure of the book which is in a biblical style, a delight to read.

The introduction is beautifully written by Sir Francis Younghusband, and perfectly sets the scene for the excellent selections to follow. Starting with “The beginnings, moving through The Early Order, then several sections on the teachings, How to achieve holiness, through to Nibbana defined and The Buddha’s Last Days. It is more than just a selection from the Canon, it is a journey through the life of Gotama and the great renunciation to his enlightenment, and becoming The Buddha. His life and teaching, then His passing while all the time insisting in the truth that he is just a man.

Along with “Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha” by E A Burtt, most readers will find all they need to enable them to get a true and accurate representation of the original teachings of the Great Buddha; without several thousand years of misunderstandings that have resulted in the egotistical Mahayana or the spirit worshipping of Vajrayana. Theravada Buddhism and the Pali canon is as close to the true teaching as we will ever get. This translation by F L Woodward is nigh on 100 years old now, and it will stand the test of time while being a constant companion in my life.