In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pāli Canon

In the Buddha’s Words is a thematic anthology of discourses selected primarily from the four major Nikāyas of the Pāli Canon, with additional passages from the Udāna and Itivuttaka. Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi, the collection is designed to present the Buddha’s teachings as an integrated and progressively structured system rather than as isolated doctrinal statements. Each of its ten chapters contains an interpretive introduction followed by carefully selected canonical passages. The volume begins with the fundamental human condition, including aging, illness, death, emotional suffering, social conflict, and the beginningless round of rebirth. It then presents the Buddha’s life, enlightenment, decision to teach, and first discourse. Subsequent chapters explain how the Dhamma should be approached through critical inquiry, personal investigation, and direct experience rather than blind belief. The anthology gives significant attention to ethical and social dimensions of Buddhist teaching, including family responsibilities, marriage, livelihood, governance, communal harmony, generosity, moral discipline, and the cultivation of merit. These teachings address both well-being in the present life and the conditions for fortunate rebirth. The later chapters progressively turn toward liberation. They examine the dangers of sensual attachment and saṃsāra, the Noble Eightfold Path, mental cultivation, serenity and insight, mindfulness, concentration, wisdom, the five aggregates, six sense bases, dependent origination, the Four Noble Truths, and Nibbāna. The final chapter presents the stages of realization, including stream-entry, non-returning, arahantship, and the distinctive qualities of the Tathāgata. Taken as a whole, the book provides a coherent overview of Early Buddhist doctrine and practice, demonstrating the breadth of the Buddha’s teaching from ordinary ethical life to complete liberation from suffering.