Description
The Digha Nikaya—the “Collection of Long Discourses”—stands as one of the four main divisions of the Sutta Pitaka, the foundational Buddhist scriptures. This three-volume set presents T.W. Rhys Davids’ celebrated English translation, making the Buddha’s most extensive teachings accessible to English-speaking practitioners and scholars. These 34 dialogues range across philosophy, meditation, cosmology, and ethics, offering profound insights into the Buddha’s understanding of reality, suffering, and the path to liberation. Whether you’re a serious student of Buddhism, a meditation practitioner, or a curious reader exploring Eastern philosophy, this complete translation brings authenticity and depth to your spiritual study. The Motilal Banarsidass edition is known for its scholarly reliability and clear presentation.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass; 2nd edition (1 January 2007)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 1010 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8120816684
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120816688
- Dimensions : 14 x 4 x 20 cm
- Country of Origin : India
- Generic Name : Books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digha Nikaya and why is it important in Buddhism?
The Digha Nikaya or ‘Collection of Long Discourses’ is one of the earliest Buddhist texts and part of the Pali Canon. It contains 34 long dialogues attributed to the Buddha covering philosophy, meditation, ethics, and cosmology. It’s essential for understanding foundational Buddhist teachings and is studied by monastics and lay practitioners worldwide.
Who is the translator and is this a reliable English version?
This translation is by T.W. Rhys Davids, a pioneering Buddhist scholar and translator of the 19th-20th century. The Motilal Banarsidass edition is considered one of the most authoritative English translations of the Digha Nikaya, widely used in universities and Buddhist study centers globally.
Is this set suitable for a beginner in Buddhism?
Yes, though these are extended discourses and reading them requires patience. Beginners benefit from starting with introductory guides, but this complete three-volume set serves as an excellent reference alongside introductory texts. Many practitioners return to it for deeper study once they have basic Buddhist context.
How many pages are in this 3-volume set?
The complete set contains 1010 pages across all three volumes. Each volume is well-organized with clear indexing and footnotes to help readers navigate the philosophical and contextual material.
What topics are covered in the Digha Nikaya?
Topics include the Four Noble Truths, meditation techniques, cosmology, the nature of consciousness, ethics, past-life accounts, and dialogues with various spiritual seekers. The discourses span from practical guidance to profound philosophical exploration of reality and liberation.
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