Book Club: Pali Canon - Middle Length Discourses [Majjhima Nikāya]

Dear Dharma Drink Friends,

Our next book club will be back on The Middle-Length Discourses of the Buddha, Majjhima Nikāya.

Please read/skim through the introduction as Bhikkhu Bodhi helps us understand the background and basics. For our discussions, we will cover the following chapters:

Read:
Ch 24: Rathavinita Sutta - The Relay Chariots
Ch 33: Mahagopalaka Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Cowherd
Ch 34: Mahagosinga Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Cowherd

Discussion Preparation:
Please prepare 3-5 points of interests or questions per chapter.

Optional:
Audio Teachings by Bhikkhu Bodhi - https://bodhimonastery.org/a-systematic-study-of-the-majjhima-nikaya.html

NOTE - each book discussion is independent of others, so you can join any meeting without having attended previous ones.

Per Bodhi Monastery: "The Majjhima Nikaya, or 'Middle-length Discourses' of the Buddha, is the second of the five nikayas, or collections, in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Tipitaka. This nikaya consists of 152 discourses by the Buddha and his chief disciples, which together constitute a comprehensive body of teaching concerning all aspects of the Buddha Dharma."

Per Bhikkhu Bodhi: “If the Majjhima Nikāya were to be characterized by a single phrase to distinguish it from among the other books of the Pali Canon, this might be done by describing it as the collection that combines the richest variety of contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of teachings.”

The translation we plan to use is by Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi. This is a BIG book, so we plan to do the following:

• We will cover only select nikayas, chapters.
• Every meet will cover select nakyas, (each stands on its own)
• Will try to meet regularly, either weekly or every two to three weeks.

Since each chapter or nakaya is independent on its own, you can join at any session provided you have read the material for the discussion.

The book is available in many different formats, from free downloads to ($) hard copies, please see the links below.

ALSO NOTE: that we are here to read, exchange and help each other. We’re not here to expound. If you need deeper learnings, please go visit a Buddhist teaching center.

/|

Eddie

• Where to get this book (Price as of write up of event) - - -

Free PDF: http://promienie.net/blog/philosophy-spirituality/buddhism/dharma-collection/item/172-middle-length-discourses-of-the-buddha

Free PFD: http://lirs.ru/lib/sutra/The_Middle_Length_Discourses(Majjhima_Nikaya),Nanamoli,Bodhi,1995.pdf

Hardcopy ($75) or Ebook ($30) by Wisdomexperience.org - https://wisdomexperience.org/product/middle-length-discourses-buddha/

Kindle ($38) or Hard Copy ($50), you can find it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/086171072X?ie=UTF8&tag=bodhimonas-20&link_code=wql&camp=212361&creative=380601