‘Buddhist Scriptures’ by Edward J. Thomas is a major work in the Wisdom of the East series. This book contains a selection of Buddhist texts translated from the Pali language, accompanied by an introduction. The contents of the book cover various aspects of the Buddha’s life and teachings, including the dream of Queen Maya, the birth of Gotama, the great renunciation, the beginning of the Buddha’s preaching and the Ten Commandments. The book also explores themes such as the non-existence of individuality and moral responsibility.
The stories and teachings in The Buddhist Scriptures are rooted in the early Buddhist texts and reflect the cultural and religious milieu of ancient India. The book provides valuable insights into the life and philosophy of the Buddha, focusing on the historical figure of Gotama Buddha. Gotama, originally known as Siddhartha, was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in the 6th century BC. His journey from prince to enlightened teacher is filled with profound encounters and realisations that shaped his understanding of life, suffering and the path to liberation.