buddhism .?

Question

i seen lots of different literature on the subject but i'm looking for the main book like the buddhist equivalant of the quran or bible. is there such a thing? also does anybody know the origins of the tibetan book of dead?

Answer 1

As the others have stated, there is no one main text in Buddhism. If you would read one text, I'd advise getting a good translation of "The Dhammapada" since it contains many of the core teachings of the Buddha that are easy to read. I prefer the translation by Ananda Maitreya (Parallax Press) over the other translations in my library.

The "Tibetan Book of the Dead" (actual title "The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States" [Bar-do thos-grol chen-mo in Tibetan]) "...came into existence in its present form in the fourteenth century, but its story goes back six hundred years before that" according to "Luminous Emptiness: Understanding the Tibetan Book of the Dead" (by Francesca Fremantle, Shambala Publications).

The text was composed by Padmakara (better known in the West as Padmasambhava and also known as Guru Rinpoche) who was brought from India to teach in the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery. "Liberation by Hearing" became a hidden teaching or "terma" (treasure) since Padmakara realized the Tibetans were not ready for the teaching it contained. It was revealed at the appropriate time by its "terton" (revealer of treasure) Karma Lingpa.

"Liberation by Hearing" is not meant only to be read to the recently deceased or dying as one may assume. It is meant to be studied by the living as well in order to prepare them for their own death. This may seem macabre to Westerners but the admonition of Buddhists to meditate on death was taught in the suttras by Buddha Shakyamuni; even to the point of meditating in front of a corpse in its various stages of decomposition.

If you decide to read the text, I'd suggest you obtain the "First Complete Translation: The Tibetan Book of the Dead" (translated by Gyurme Dorje, Penguin Books) instead of the more easily obtainable short versions. Be forewarned, it is not an "easy read" and will take some effort (and perhaps a commentary) in order to more fully appreciate it.

May all be at peace.

John

Answer 2

In Buddhism, there are many different texts considered to be scripture. It has no definite library of holy writings such as the Bible or Qu'ran.

Bardo Thodol, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, is sort of like a manual meant to guide you through the state of consciousness after death and before rebirth. I don't know much more about it than that.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 3

There are many scriptures in Buddhism. The earliest ones, and the ones that all sects agree on, are known as Sutras, and are preserved in the Tripitaka (lit: three baskets - a collection of texts divided into monastic rules (vinaya), spoken teachings (sutra), and higher analytical psychology (abhidharma)). The Southern Buddhists have preserved the most complete collection of early Sutras in what's known as the Pali canon. Other versions exist in Chinese and Sanskrit collections. There are also Sutras of later origin, collectively known as Mahayana Sutras. The authenticity of which are disputed by some traditions.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is a mystical and funerary text composed in Tibet by Padmasambhava, the man attributed to have brought Buddhism to Tibet. Its intent is to guide the deceased through the intermediate states between death and rebirth.

Answer 4

What is a faith? If this is a perception procedure which entails a number of deities, then Buddhism is not strictly a faith. Buddha is respected as a God in a few branches of Buddhism, however as a trainer in others. The latter are philosophies now not religions.

Answer 5

Well there are subtly different versions of Buddhism which have some texts. If you are interested in learning about Buddhism I suggest reading "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse. It's a semi-fictional book about the life of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). By reading it you will understand a lot of Buddhism. Then I suggest learning about meditation and you will be right on your way to spiritual development and personal growth.

Answer 6

No such Thing. Based on Buddhism, there are many ways to enlightenment and there are more knowledge then one can hold. It is not possible to squeeze everything in a concise edition.

Buddhism promotes life long learning.

Answer 7

There are many books in buddhism.This is because there are many way of enlightenment.All books of buddhism are like the medicine script.We cannot take all the medicine,one or fews will do the trick.All we need is to find one that suit you.Practice is to enlightenment.Read is to increase the understanding of Buddhism.Amitabha.

Answer 8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism