The Big Book of Buddhism, a sprawling compendium, stands as both a profound tribute to and an exhaustive exploration of Buddhist philosophy, mythology, and practice. Comprising a constellation of texts from varied traditions, it weaves together historical narrative, doctrinal analysis, and parabolic wisdom. This anthology is less a linear narrative than an intricate mosaic, reflecting the breadth and depth of Buddhist thought. For the uninitiated and adept alike, it is a treasure trove of insights, offering a panoramic view of Buddhism’s multiplicity and its unified essence.
The collection opens with an examination of the “31 Planes of Existence” by Suvanno Mahathera, an elucidation of Buddhist cosmology that serves as both a metaphysical map and a moral guide. These planes, spanning from the sensuous to the formless, exemplify the law of karma’s inexorable justice. As Mahathera describes, “Death is not an ending but a transformation, dictated by the seeds we sow in thought, word, and deed.” This depiction of samsara is at once sobering and inspiring, urging readers to strive for ethical conduct as the foundation of liberation.
Perhaps the most compelling segment of the anthology is Andre Ferdinand Herold’s The Life of Buddha. Rendered with lyrical precision, this retelling of Siddhartha Gautama’s journey captures both the mythic grandeur and the human pathos of his awakening. Herold’s prose breathes life into pivotal moments, such as Siddhartha’s confrontation with Mara under the Bodhi Tree: “The tempter’s whispers were as relentless as the tides, yet Siddhartha’s resolve stood as the mountain.” This account, blending narrative richness with philosophical clarity, illuminates the Buddha’s path as a universal archetype of self-discovery.
The anthology’s diversity extends to its treatment of doctrinal expositions, notably Ashvagosha’s The Awakening of Faith. This text, a cornerstone of Mahayana philosophy, grapples with the paradoxes of existence and emptiness. Ashvagosha writes, “The mind, though sullied by delusion, is innately luminous, like a mirror obscured by dust.” Such imagery, characteristic of Buddhist metaphor, encapsulates the duality of samsara and nirvana as not opposing realms but aspects of the same reality. The translator’s careful commentary enhances accessibility without diluting the profundity of Ashvagosha’s vision.
Interspersed among these weighty discourses are lighter yet no less instructive narratives, including Ellen C. Babbitt’s Jataka Tales. These parables, attributed to the Buddha’s previous lives, offer moral lessons with universal appeal. In “The Monkey and the Crocodile,” for instance, wit and resourcefulness triumph over brute force, illustrating the Buddhist virtue of skilful means (upaya). “The Banyan Deer” exemplifies compassion as a sovereign virtue, its titular hero sacrificing himself for the collective good. Such stories distil complex ethical principles into digestible, evocative episodes.
Another remarkable inclusion is Paul Carus’s The Gospel of Buddha, a Western interpretation that seeks to synthesise Buddhist teachings for a global audience. While not without its limitations—notably, a tendency toward simplification—Carus’s work serves as a bridge between East and West, highlighting Buddhism’s universal resonance. He writes, “The Buddha’s voice is not confined to temples or cloisters; it echoes wherever the human heart seeks truth.” This sentiment underscores the anthology’s broader aim: to present Buddhism not as an esoteric doctrine but as a living, breathing philosophy.
The anthology’s structural diversity mirrors Buddhism’s syncretic nature, encompassing texts from Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. Each section offers a unique lens, yet together they coalesce into a cohesive portrait of the dharma’s multifaceted brilliance. Lionel D. Barnett’s The Path of Light emphasises the Bodhisattva ideal, extolling virtues such as patience, generosity, and wisdom. Meanwhile, The Saddharma Pundarika (The Lotus Sutra), translated by H. Kern, celebrates the doctrine of universal enlightenment. Its poetic exhortation, “All beings have the seed of Buddhahood within,” exemplifies Mahayana’s inclusive ethos.
The anthology also delves into the practical dimensions of Buddhism, offering guidance on meditation, ethical conduct, and mindfulness. Kaiten Nukariya’s The Religion of the Samurai examines Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on direct experience over theoretical knowledge. Nukariya’s assertion that “The universe itself is the scripture of Zen” encapsulates the tradition’s radical immediacy. Similarly, The Gateless Gate, a collection of Zen koans, challenges conventional logic to provoke sudden insight. The enigmatic dictum “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” invites readers to transcend dualistic thinking and glimpse the nature of reality.
While the anthology’s breadth is undoubtedly a strength, it may also prove daunting for some readers. The density of certain texts, particularly those steeped in metaphysical abstraction, requires patience and perseverance. Yet, this very challenge reflects the nature of Buddhist practice: a gradual unfolding rather than an instant revelation. As the Dhammapada reminds us, “By effort, diligence, discipline, and self-mastery, let the wise man make for himself an island that no flood can overwhelm.”
Stylistically, the anthology oscillates between poetic elegance and didactic clarity, a balance that mirrors Buddhism’s dual commitment to wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna). Quotations abound, each resonating with timeless relevance. From the Diamond Sutra: “All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, or shadows; they are like dew drops or flashes of lightning.” Such passages invite contemplation, their profundity deepening with each reading.
Despite its scholastic tone, the anthology is not without moments of emotional resonance. The Buddha’s final words, as recounted in The Mahaparinibbana Sutta, are a poignant reminder of impermanence: “All compounded things are subject to decay. Strive on with diligence.” This exhortation, though simple, encapsulates the essence of the dharma—a call to mindfulness, effort, and the embrace of life’s transience.
The Big Book of Buddhism is both a gateway and a journey, inviting readers to engage with the dharma on multiple levels. It honours Buddhism’s rich diversity while distilling its universal truths, making it a valuable resource for seekers of all backgrounds. As a repository of wisdom and a mirror of humanity’s perennial quest for meaning, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Buddha’s teachings. For those willing to embark on its labyrinthine paths, the rewards are manifold: insight, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the timeless flow of existence. Indeed, as the Buddha himself proclaimed, “The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”
