Teachings of the Buddha

Outstanding! This is what comes to mind when reviewing Jack Kornfield's compilation of the sayings accredited to the Buddha Shakyamuni retrieved from various sources. What I would recommend to the person buying this book is perhaps to read an excerpt before sitting down to meditate, or in the morning before heading off to work or school. It truly is much like a daily devotional, to be savored and "picked apart."
I love these types of works where the "author" really just plays role of "editor." In this particular case Jack is more of a compiler, retrieving these sayings from a large variety of sources. I appreciate how he simply presents us with the material, but does not do our homework for us. I am always reminded by a man who asked a shaman to interpret a dream he had, while the shaman replies, "Sure, that's great.You should hire me to interpret all of your metaphors for you, I could be your wife, too. In the night you can just roll over and ask me what it all meant. I can spoonfeed you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well." The man who asked for the interpretation then laughs, realizing the shaman's wonderful teaching. We must find our own commentary for our Buddhist practice to grow any, much like Basho's famous "Ancient Pond" poem.
I hope you enjoy this book:)!

Jack Kornfield did a great job in putting this together.The book gives concise Buddist teachings a smooth english read.I travel alot on my job and take this on my travels for short mind breaks.

this is a great take anywhere book. I highly recommend it.

This book is excellent for those wishing to go the Buddha way. By the time you finish this anthology, you will understand the meaning of emptiness, Nirvana, impermanence, attachment and non-attachment and many other points. I was especially happy
that the book contains 3 entries by Dougen, the Buddhist monk who brought Zen Buddhism from China to Japan. You will understand clearly and experience being in the way.

Not really as good as I'd hoped it would be. There are definitely some enriching anecdotes, but there are some that are just in my opinion very bland and not useful.

If you cannot control your life after reading this book, you are destined to be a naturally born mistake of life.

Every entry in this book is beautifully translated and well chosen. Anyone who buys it will find it a treasure.

I have only read a few pages but the teachings are very practical. It is a book one can refer to often.

I bought this book for my friend who has been looking for it since our holiday in Thailand & coudn't find it

Great reference material.