UU Buddhist Sangha September

The UU Buddhist Sangha will complete their reading and study of BUDDHISM. The scholarship of the authors Smitth and Novak has been noted by sangha members, describing it as beautifully written. and noting the clarity of the three major Buddhist schools as it spread from India to Japan. Our interest continues in Part II  “The Wheel Rolls West” with details of how these traditions and meditation spread into Europe and the U.S.  Thoreau and Emerson were part of that story.

Later in September our attention will turn to THE DHAMMAPADA. The Dhammapada is a collection of 423 verses, gathered probably from direct disciples who wanted to preserve what they had heard from the Buddha himself. It is one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist scriptures. Dhammapada means “the path of dharma,” the path of harmony and righteousness that anyone can follow to reach the highest good. Several translators from the original Pali have been suggested:  Eknath Easwaran, Gil Fronsdal, Ananda Maitreya. Scholarly notes, glossary, highly readable translation, and authentic stories of the life of the Buddha distinguish the best editions.