Vision and Transformation: An Introduction to the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path

by Sangharakshita

Book Overview

The Eightfold Path is the most widely known formulation of the Buddha's teaching. It is ancient, reaching back to the Buddha's very first discourse, and it is highly venerated as a unique treasury of wisdom and practical guidance. The teaching of the Eightfold Path challenges us to grasp the implications of that vision, and asks us to transform ourselves in its light. Like the teaching itself, this work covers every aspect of life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0904766950
• ISBN13: 9780904766950
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Windhorse Publications (UK)
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A very good introduction to an essential Buddhist teaching

Whilst reading this book one should always bear in mind that although published in 1990, the text is taken from a series of lectures delivered in 1968 shortly before Sangharakshita went on to found the FWBO (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order)and so there is necessarily some emphasis on certain points more applicable to that era. However, once the reader has accepted this and come to terms with Sangharakshita's style and insistence on precise translations and definition of terms, the 'dry' lists of traditional Buddhist doctrine are explained and brought to life in a manner that has relevance to both men and women today seeking an introduction to a core Buddhist teaching. I highly recommend it.

The best book on the Noble Eightfold Path that I have read

Sangharakshita has laid out in a clear, lucid style the essence of the Buddha's Eighfold Noble Path in terms accesable to a western reader. It avoids the cliches of "don'ts" found in many books treating this subject and explores each of the eight steps in great detail. I showed this book to one of my Buddhist teacher monks and he immediately made it part of a two year training session that he is conducting