Free Downloads Divine Stories: Divyavadana, Part 1 (Classics Of Indian Buddhism) (v. 1)
Divine Stories is the inaugural volume in a landmark translation series devoted to making the wealth of classical Indian Buddhism accessible to modern readers. The stories here, among the first texts to be inscribed by Buddhists, highlight the moral economy of karma, illustrating how gestures of faith, especially offerings, can bring the reward of future happiness and ultimate liberation. Originally contained in the Divyavadana, an enormous compendium of Sanskrit Buddhist narratives from the early Common Era, the stories in this collection express the moral and ethical impulses of Indian Buddhist thought and are a testament to the historical and social power of narrative. Long believed by followers to be the actual words of the Buddha himself, these divine stories are without a doubt some of the most influential stories in the history of Buddhism.
Series: Classics of Indian Buddhism
Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: Wisdom Publications (August 5, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0861712951
ISBN-13: 978-0861712953
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,773,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #75 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Short Stories & Anthologies > Short Stories #638 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Sacred Writings #23093 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Short Stories & Anthologies > Short Stories
While many of the early Buddhist texts and stories were written in Pali, the Divyavadana is one of the early texts about stories from the Buddha's life that was written in Sanskrit. Andy Rotman has done a fine translation, and these stories are a joy to read, and provide great edification. As with other stories, many revolve around past lives of the Buddha. Through these stories, one sees how karma unfolds, and how freedom from the cycle of existence (samsara) is both desirable and possible. We are fortunate to have this fine translation and thereby an addition to the great literature available in English.
Just when you thought you knew what Buddhism was all about, these fantastic stories come along to remind you that nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Full of intrigue, magic, harrowing journeys into bizarre realms, and complex twists of fate and faith, these beautifully translated Indian narratives transport you to another place and time. Highly enjoyable, they may even blow your mind.
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