The Canonical Book of the Buddha's Lengthy Discourses A New Translation with Commentary Kindle Edition

The Dirghagama Sutra is one of the Agama Sutras, which are early Buddhist scriptures, and it holds a particularly important position among the Chinese-translated Buddhist texts. While the original Sanskrit text is not extant, the Chinese translation serves as a valuable resource for studying Buddhist history and doctrine. This sutra has the following characteristics:Origin:The Dirghagama Sutra was compiled by the Buddha's disciples after his death through several councils. It forms a part of the Sutra Pitaka (Sutta Pitaka).Original Text and Translation:The original text is called Dīrgha-āgama in Sanskrit.It corresponds to the Digha Nikaya in the Pali Canon.The extant Chinese translation is based on the Dharmaguptaka tradition.Structure:The Dirghagama Sutra consists of 30 sutras, with a "Preface" at the beginning.History of Revision:The Chinese-translated Dirghagama Sutra initially belonged to the Dharmaguptaka school, but it was gradually revised based on manuscripts from the Sarvastivada school.The preface of the Dirghagama Sutra states that it was translated by Buddhayashas and Zhu Fonian during the Later Qin Dynasty and written down by Dao Han. However, these are merely the names of the people involved in the translation and writing, not the authors of the sutra itself.Characteristics of the Content:Long Sutras: As its name suggests, the Dirghagama Sutra contains many relatively long sutras. These sutras detail the life and teachings of the Buddha and play an important role in understanding the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism.Diverse Themes: The included sutras cover a wide range of themes, including the life of the Buddha, cosmology, ethics, and methods of practice. This allows for a comprehensive study of Buddhist teachings.Narrative Format: Many sutras are presented in a narrative format, with the teachings conveyed clearly through dialogues between the Buddha and his disciples. This allows readers to feel closer to the Buddhist teachings.Early Buddhism: The Dirghagama Sutra is a valuable resource for understanding early Buddhism. It provides insight into how the Buddha's teachings were transmitted and developed.Main Content:The Dirghagama Sutra includes the following content:Stories of the Seven Past Buddhas: The lives and teachings of the seven Buddhas who appeared in the past (Vipassi Buddha, Sikhi Buddha, Vessabhu Buddha, Kakusandha Buddha, Konagamana Buddha, Kassapa Buddha, and Sakyamuni Buddha) are recounted.Cosmology: The ancient Indian cosmology centered around Mount Sumeru is depicted.Ethics: Basic Buddhist ethics, such as the Five Precepts and the Ten Wholesome Actions, are explained.Methods of Practice: Buddhist methods of practice, such as meditation, wisdom, and compassion, are discussed.Life of the Buddha: The life of the Buddha, from his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, teachings, to his passing, is described in detail.Structure of this Book:The Dirghagama Sutra consists of 22 volumes and 30 sutras. Each volume contains sutras on different themes, allowing readers to freely progress according to their interests and concerns.Attractiveness of this Book:Learn the Basics of Buddhism: You can learn the basic doctrines and history of Buddhism.Enjoy as a Story: The stories of the Buddha and his disciples are engaging and captivating.Guidance for Life: The teachings of Buddhism provide many suggestions for our way of life and state of mind in modern society. Read more