The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha

A Translation of the Majjhima Nikāya

By: Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, Bhikkhu Bodhi

Narrated by: Taradasa

This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikāya, or Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pāli Canon, the authorised scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection - among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings - consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections.

The Majjhima Nikaya might be concisely described as the Buddhist scripture that combines the richest variety of contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of teachings. These teachings, which range from basic ethics to instructions in meditation and liberating insight, unfold in a fascinating procession of scenarios that show the Buddha in living dialogue with people from many different strata of ancient Indian society: with kings and princes, priests and ascetics, simple villagers and erudite philosophers. Replete with drama, reasoned argument, and illuminating parable and simile, these discourses exhibit the Buddha in the full glory of his resplendent wisdom, majestic sublimity and compassionate humanity.

The translation is based on an original draft translation left by the English scholar-monk Bhikkhu Ñānamoli, which has been edited and revised by the American monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, who provides a long introduction and helpful explanatory notes. Combining lucidity of expression with accuracy, this translation enables the Buddha to speak across 25 centuries in language that addresses the most pressing concerns of the contemporary listener seeking clarification of the timeless issues of truth, value and the proper conduct of life. Winner of the 1995 Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book Award and the Tricycle Prize for Excellence in Buddhist Publishing for Dharma Discourse.

©1995 Bhikkhu Bodhi (P)2019 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Excellent supplemental reference

difficult to listen to and glean the full meaning of the teachings alone, but having read the suttas this audio version aids with comprehension and digestion. the reader does a good job with emphasis to maintain engagement

Superb Translation

A great companion to the written translations you can listen to anywhere. I hope all the Discourses will be converted into audiobooks. Simply superb.

Why can’t they choose a reader who can pronounce Pali terms?

My title says it all. :-( The words are sublime, the reading truly ridiculous. I could not bear to listen.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

I am still listening to and reading this amazing book.
It is all so beautiful and soothing.
I read a part of the book daily.
For me it is like a meditation.
I have all the books, three in total.
I know I started the series out of order, with this 2nd book first.
I HIGHLY recommend listening/reading.
In my opinion, the narrator, mr. Taradasa has a wonderful, soothing voice.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Perfect Narration; sincere thanks

The narration is superb. I am an Indian, so I understand some of the words might not be pronounced correctly. it did not bother me. Finished it once, and planning to listen again.

The book is so outstanding that any words of praise won't do it any justice. The book was long before us and with technology, will last long after us.

You get a very good taste of Buddha's teaching. This book is only comparable to other Nikayas out there; no other parallels.

Almost completely perfect

This book desperately needs a proper index. In its current state, the table of contents is useless. We need more than just generic numbered “chapters.”

This collection is an invaluable repository of the dispensation of the Buddha Gotama. It is full of inspiration and instructions on how to live the holy life. It is a guide, a guardian, and a treasure to anyone seeking the wisdom of the Golden Sage. We need to be able to return to certain teachings again and again. This is profoundly difficult to do without proper titles of suttas.

Great lesson from the Great Master

Thank you for having this discourse available in audio. Learning the Enlightened One's word is truely an eye opening. Another journey has began.

Must listen

Treasure to be listened to. Everyone interested in practicing Buddhism should listen to the suttas

great translation of a great text

far too few classics from indian traditions are available on audible. too many are dharma commentaries written by white people for white people. not primary texts.

far too few of those indian classics on audible are reliable translations. too many of the translations on audible were done by scholars in the 1800s that aren't reliable for students.

this is an authoritative translation from one of the foundational texts in the buddhist canon.

if only we could be blessed with more like this

(the reviewer here who claims this isn't a translation is wrong. the audio begins with an introduction and commentary. as it is in the printed version of the book. the reading of the translation of the text begins after the introductory materials. if you don't want to listen to the introduction, you can skip it.)

Profound wisdom

I only wish this was as available as most other main stream religious text. It contains within it so much wisdom and instruction on finding peace and wisdom in this very life. This Nikaya and others, are so far beyond their time. They are the source of all instruction on meditation, and Buddhist thought. Regardless of your religion or philosophy, you can only enrich your life by reading this.