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**WoCTrt0X** · 03-23-2012, 08:41 AM

Two good introduction to the Pali scriptures:

Early Buddhist Discourses translated by John J. Holder -- a good selection of the most philosophically significant suttas, with an excellent general introduction and individual introductions to each sutta.

Sayings of the Buddha translated by Rupert Gethin -- I really like Gethin's translations, as well as his introduction and notes, but this one is a bit less organized than the Holder anthology. The suttas are presented in order in which they are categorized in the canon instead of by topic or title.

I would avoid the volume by Glenn Wallis for Modern Library (Basic Teachings of the Buddha). I used to like his translation of the Dhammapada, but lately find his approach too gimmicky. He plays word games with the text, which makes them very difficult to understand.

03-23-2012, 08:41 AM	#10
WoCTrt0X Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 498 Senior Member	Two good introduction to the Pali scriptures: Early Buddhist Discourses translated by John J. Holder -- a good selection of the most philosophically significant suttas, with an excellent general introduction and individual introductions to each sutta. Sayings of the Buddha translated by Rupert Gethin -- I really like Gethin's translations, as well as his introduction and notes, but this one is a bit less organized than the Holder anthology. The suttas are presented in order in which they are categorized in the canon instead of by topic or title. I would avoid the volume by Glenn Wallis for Modern Library (Basic Teachings of the Buddha). I used to like his translation of the Dhammapada, but lately find his approach too gimmicky. He plays word games with the text, which makes them very difficult to understand.
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