The Gospel of Buddha
Paul Carus (compiler) · tr. Paul Carus · 1894 (ed. 1915) · 70,701 words
The Buddha’s life and teaching woven from the old records into one gospel, from Samsara and Nirvana to the parables, the last words and the praise of all the Buddhas.
Opening
Introduction
I. / Rejoice!
Rejoice at the glad tidings! The Buddha, our Lord, has found the root of all evil; he has shown us the way of salvation.
The Buddha dispels the illusions of our mind and redeems us from the terror of death.
The Buddha, our Lord, brings comfort to the weary and sorrow-laden; he restores peace to those who are broken down under the burden of life. He gives courage to the weak when they would fain give up self-reliance and hope.
Ye that suffer from the tribulations of life, ye that have to struggle and endure, ye that yearn for a life of truth, rejoice at the glad tidings!
There is balm for the wounded, and there is bread for the hungry. There is water for the thirsty, and there is hope for the despairing. There is light for those in darkness, and there is inexhaustible blessing for the upright.
Heal your wounds, ye wounded, and eat your fill, ye hungry. Rest, ye weary, and ye who are thirsty quench your thirst. Look up to the light, ye that sit in darkness; be full of good cheer, ye that are forlorn.
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Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Prince Siddhattha Becomes Buddha
- The Foundation of the Kingdom of Righteousness
- Consolidation of the Buddha's Religion
- The Teacher (part 1)
- The Teacher (part 2)
- Parables and Stories
- The Last Days
- Conclusion