The Buddha before Buddhism

This book, though not being very long, offers an interesting glimpse onto a fundamental text of the Buddhist canon: the Book of Eights.

The superb translation of this canonical text is accompanied by a very thorough explanation of its context and meaning by the translator, making its content and subtleties more easily understandable and graspable by the modern reader.

It also provides a very insightful glimpse into the Buddhist scholarship around this text and how it supposedly came to be composed, as well as providing clues as to the authenticity of its author and content.

So, even if you’re not even interested in Buddhism, Buddha’s words, or Buddhist scholarship, this book will still provide you with many snippets of timeless wisdom that in some way will enrich your life and understanding. You won’t regret having read it.