The Spirit of the Buddha - Softcover

"As well as making those teachings broadly accessible, Batchelor brings them up to date. . . . The Spirit of the Buddha offers entry into the Buddha Way for readers of all faiths, and a wide vista for Buddhist readers of all stripes."-Patrick McMahon, Inquiring Mind -- Patrick McMahon * Inquiring Mind *

In this slim, enlightening volume, internationally recognized Buddhist teacher Martine Batchelor presents the basic tenets and teachings of the Buddha through a selection of essential texts from the Pali canon, the earliest Buddhist scriptures. Viewed by scholars as the actual substance of the historical teachings (and possibly even the words) of the Buddha, these texts are essential to an understanding of the Buddhist faith, and Batchelor illuminates them with her lucid analysis and interpretations. Both accessible to nonpractitioners and helpful to scholars, The Spirit of the Buddha touches upon key themes, including dharma, compassion, meditation, and peace, among others, creating a panoramic view of one of the world's most widely practiced faiths that is deeply rooted in its most vital texts.