The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (The Teachings of the Buddha)

I would not call myself a buddhist, but I love this collection of books by Bhikku Bodhi, and I see the relavance of the religion's relavance wide and clear. This is the 2nd book I've read, after The Words of the Buddha, and I'm surprised by how challenging they have been. Typically books about religion are hopeful, full of inspirational quotes and easy answers to easy problems. But the Buddha knows better. Out of all the great Religious figures, the Buddha is the most pragmatic and realistic I've come across. He seems to know human nature down to a microscopic image, and yet still seeks to offer us his wisdom and the gifts of his enlightenment. This book is a true blessing.A lot has changed in 2,500 years. We've become more technologically advanced and everything runs at a pace that puts New York City to shame. Yet some things never change and this book proves it. Civil Strife and ignorance still exist as much as ever--within myself and society--and America and the world at large still crave the peace of mind that the Buddha and his fellow monks sought. I cannot think of more relavent book to read as protestors march down my street in support of black lives.

If you are familiar with Bhikkhu Bodhi's book  In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (The Teachings of the Buddha)  (which I also highly recommend) then this is very similar in structure. Each section has an introduction which explains what is covered in that section and then each section is made up of passages from various discourses with the source given so you can explore further should you chose to do so. There are some notes in the back to explain translation choices or to give a little more explanation of a concept or reference. The book isn't very long (around 200 pages of text not including the index and notes) and it is based on a selection of texts Bodhi originally compiled for use of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. He has expanded that with a great introduction and more texts. If you like Bodhi's work, you will like this. If you are interested in Buddhist teachings on harmony then this is an amazing volume to own. I couldn't recommend it more.

Anything compiled or translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi is worth the money. Bhikkhu Bodhi is a wonderful bridge between Eastern and Western Buddhism. Just a note. I have all the Theravada Suttas already as well as the Guide to the Abhidhamma. These suttas are a grouping that I can carry with me if I want to focus on one particular area of my practice. As always Bhikkhu Bodhi's commentary is stellar. I can not say thank you enough to Bhikkhu Bodhi.

A wonderful guide for socially engaged Buddhism! So easy to read and work on putting into action. If you are eager to learn about The Buddha's teachings on compassion this is possibly the best, most readable AND most affordable collection out there.

This is a book that will live on my shelves and will be recommended and referred to frequently. In this day and age, guidance as shared in these pages, is a precious resource. Much appreciated the prologue and epilogue and all the introductions to the pali texts.

I liked the content; real life answers to community problems. I am not a monk and found solace and hope because it has been helping. My wife and I read it together before retiring. I highly recommend this for all relational issues.

An excellent anthology by the always wonderful Bhikkhu Bodhi. All who value the social aspect that makes us humans a social creature should have this book for inspiration, scholarly work, and a reference material in our daily lives.

Great teachings on how to live peacefully and in harmony in the society

Tudo ótimo!

I bought this book because I needed something to assist me in dealing with personal issues I am currently facing. those issues involve toxicity that is impacting my personal space, the result of which is testing my ability to deal with anger and rage.Buddhism has been with me for most of my life however I have never truly worked at it. Now, at this point in my life, I am presented with the challenge of anger and rage, emotions not uncommon to myself over this lifetime, but in this case, it is a scenario where, if unchecked, I could truly cause more destruction, personally, then at any other time previous.With that intro I provide this review. Simply put "BUY AND STUDY THIS BOOK!" If you are in a similar situation or just want to get a better perspective of what Buddhism really is or can be I highly recommend this. While reading it I read information that I already "knew" but now, dealing with this current situation and my openness and willingness to want to accept a Buddhist way, I discovered I could more deeply understand the teachings. It's funny because I have read similar "words of wisdom" in the past and was always like "Ya, that's the way to be." but not truly understand what it meant or perhaps how it is applied. Reading this book, it brought those messages home for me, aiding in having a deeper understanding of the meaning.As a quick summary otherwise, "Social and Communal Harmony" is the title and within these pages you will be taught what that truly is and how it can be obtained. It has helped me immensely and I can say that I will no doubt be continuously going back to this book even as I begin reading and studying further.Beyond 5 stars for this.

A very good translation of the early Buddhist texts and a good introduction for those eager to deepening their knowledge.

A handy book of the relevant discourses for social and communal harmony. Highly recommend.

Thank you Bhikkhu Bodhi