The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, tr. by Bhikku Nanamoli, Bhikku Bodhi

A new translation of the Majjhima Nikaya

This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikaya, the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts on the Pali Canon, the authorized scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection- among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings- consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections. The Majjhima Nikaya might be concisely described as the Buddhist scripture that combines the richest variety of contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of teachings. These teachings, which range from basic ethics to instructions in meditation and liberating insight, unfold in a fascinating procession of scenarios that show the Buddha in living dialogue with people from the many different strata of ancient Indian society: with kings and princes, priests and ascetics, simple villagers and erudite philosophers. Replete with drama, with reasoned argument, and with illuminating parables and similes, these discourses exhibit the Buddha in the full glory of his resplendent wisdom, majestic sublimity, and compassionate humanity.
Combining lucidity of expression with accuracy, this translation enables the Buddha to speak across twenty-five centuries in language that addresses the most pressing concerns of the contemporary reader seeking clarification of the timeless issues of truth, value, and the proper conduct of life,