Gentleness, serenity, and compassion through liberation from selfish craving- these are the fundamental teachings of the great Oriental religion of Buddhism, begun twenty-five hundred years ago by Siddharta Gautama. This remarkable book will guide you down the path to a great religion devoted to the realization of universal love. -- from Back Cover.

A reissue of the most popular collection of teachings from Buddhist literature, selected by one of the best known American Buddhist teachers—with a new preface and afterword Jack Kornfield, one of the most respected American Buddhist teachers, has compiled these teachings to impart the essence and inspiration of Buddhism to readers of all spiritual traditions. This treasury of essential Buddhist writings draws from the most popular Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese sources, and is perfect for those both new to Buddhism and longtime practitioners. Among the selections: · Some of the earliest recorded sayings of the Buddha on the practice of freedom · Passages from later Indian scriptures on the perfection of wisdom · Verses from Tibetan masters on the enlightened mind · Songs in praise of meditation by Zen teachers · New selections on the role of women in early Buddhism Also included are traditional instructions on how to practice sitting meditation, cultivate calm awareness, and live with compassion.

With its origins in ancient India, Buddhism is a system of thought that has enriched the religious lives of billions--and in more recent times, swept through the Western world as well. Now anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism can go directly to the source, with this collection of original documents--edited, with commentary, by a Cornell University professor of philosophy.