Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Cannon (trans) Bhikkhu Nanamoli PDF

Composed entirely of texts from the Pali canon, this unique biography presents the oldest authentic record of the Buddha’s life and revolutionary philosophy. The ancient texts are rendered here in a language marked by lucidity and dignity, and a framework of narrators and voices connect the canonical texts. Vivid recollections of his personal attendant Ananda and other disciples bring the reader into the Buddha’s presence, where his example offers profound inspiration and guidance on the path to freedom.

The Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Canon was first published in 1972 by the Buddhist Publication Society in Sri Lanka. BPS Pariyatti Editions is pleased to republish this esteemed book for the first time in the Americas and reach a new and wider audience seeking original material from the Buddha's teachings.

Bhikkhu Nanamoli, translator and arranger of this work, was one of the first Englishmen to embrace Buddhism. He created a unique framework of narrators to tell the story of the Buddha's life, suggested by the material itself, which was originally recited. As the Pali scholar R.W. Rhys Davids noted, during his long life and career as a teacher the Buddha had ample time to repeat the principals and details of the system to his disciples, and to test their knowledge, so that great reliance may be placed upon the doctrinal parts of the Buddhist Scriptures.

This account of the Buddha's life and times provides rich context for his teaching, illuminating the compassion, loving kindness, wisdom and other exceptional qualities that informed his actions and interactions. As such it offers profound inspiration for all.