Read
The Book
Begin with the Introduction, browse the Contents, or move directly through the chapters and appendices.
Free Online Book
Buddhist Wisdom
The Fact, Faith, Fable, Fiction and Fear-Based Teachings of the Pāli Canon
Buddhist Wisdom is an independent examination of the Pāli Canon and Buddhist tradition. It explores the difference between historical fact, religious faith, later fable, doctrinal fiction, and fear-based teachings that have gathered around the Buddha's message.
Drawing on meditation practice, philosophy, history, science, personal investigation and the early texts, this work invites readers to examine Buddhism critically while preserving its profound insight into suffering, renunciation, compassion and liberation.
About the Work
A book for readers willing to examine Buddhism carefully
This site presents Buddhist Wisdom as a free online book. It approaches the Pāli Canon with respect, but not blind acceptance. It asks what can be tested, what must be taken on faith, what may be later fable, and what teachings may function through fear rather than liberating understanding.
The purpose is not to dismiss Buddhism, but to recover what is practical, empirical and transformative within it: the direct examination of experience, the attenuation of craving, the cultivation of mindfulness and equanimity, and the possibility of freedom from suffering.
Listen
Biography of a Buddha
A 30-track musical work presenting the life of a Buddha in a modern dramatic form.
Author
Franco Carrieri
The book and musical are written by Franco Carrieri. The work combines long-term Buddhist study, meditation practice, philosophical analysis, personal experience and critical reflection.