A Buddhist Bible

A Buddhist Bible (1932) by Dwight Goddard is a significant anthology of Buddhist texts, tailored for Western readers. Goddard, an American Zen practitioner and former missionary, compiled translations from various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Zen. The book introduces teachings like the Dhammapada, Heart Sutra, and the Lankavatara Sutra, aiming to provide a comprehensive guide to Buddhism’s philosophies and practices. It was particularly influential in the spread of Zen and Buddhist thought in America, resonating with readers interested in Eastern spirituality. A Buddhist Bible remains a pioneering text, bridging Eastern and Western understandings of Buddhism.