The Buddha before Buddhism by Gil Fronsdal

The Buddha before Buddhism by Gil Fronsdal

This easy-to-understand translation of one of the earliest surviving Buddhist texts offers a pathway to awakening that is simple, straightforward, and free of religious doctrine

One of the earliest of all Buddhist texts, the Atthakavagga, or "Book of Eights," is a remarkable document, not only because it comes from the earliest strain of the literature--before the Buddha, as the title suggests, came to be thought of as a "Buddhist"--but also because its approach to awakening is so simple and free of adherence to any kind of ideology. Instead the Atthakavagga points to a direct and simple approach for attaining peace without requiring the adherence to doctrine.

The value of the teachings it contains is not in the profundity of their philosophy or in their authority as scripture; rather, the value is found in the results they bring to those who live by them. Instead of doctrines to be believed, the "Book of Eights" describes means or practices for realizing peace. Gil Fronsdal's rigorous translation with commentary reveals the text to be of interest not only to Buddhists, but also to the ever-growing demographic of spiritual-but-not-religious, who seek a spiritual life outside the structures of religion.

As a meditator and Buddhist teacher Gil Fronsdal has been studying the forces of mind his entire adult life. Starting Zen practice in 1975 as a young man Gil quickly learned that he did not need to define himself by the hindrances. In particular he learned there are better ways of living than being ordered around by sensual desire, ill will and doubt. In 1984 Gil started Vipassana practice which taught him to look more carefully into his mind and heart. He then discovered peaceful alternatives to sloth and restlessness. Wishing to help anyone and everyone who suffers, Gil became a Zen priest in 1982, started training to be a Vipassana teacher with Jack Kornfield in 1989, and entered a doctoral program in Buddhist Studies at Stanford University in 1990. His doctoral thesis was on the Indian origin of the bodhisattva ideal. Inspired by those devoted to the practices of meditation, integrity, compassion, and inner freedom Gil founded the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA and, in 2012, the Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, CA. Through his writings and his recorded talks available at Audiodharma.org, many people have appreciated the clarity of his teachings. Gil has authored a number of books. His teachings on mindfulness are published in The Issue at Hand, the teaching tales he composed to provoke deeper reflection are found in A Monastery Within and his careful and elegant translation of the Dhammapada, the much loved collection of early Buddhist verses, is published by Shambhala Publications. Gil is a husband and father of two boys. Through family life he has refined his understanding of the hindrances as well as the ease and love found when they no longer hinder.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781611803242
ISBN 10	1611803241
Title	The Buddha before Buddhism
Author	Gil Fronsdal
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Shambhala Publications Inc
Year published	2016-11-29
Number of pages	192
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.