Revival
Book Description
In this profound exploration of Buddhist origins, Caroline Augusta Foley Rhys Davids embarks on an archaeological journey through ancient texts to uncover the authentic teachings of Gotama Buddha. Like a skilled detective examining layers of historical sediment, she carefully separates the original wisdom from centuries of institutional additions that have accumulated in the Pali scriptures.
The book unfolds in two distinct movements. The first section focuses on discovery and reconstruction, revealing what Rhys Davids describes as "a new and true word from very man to very man" - timeless wisdom that speaks directly to the human condition across all cultures and eras. Here, readers encounter the raw power of Buddha's original message, stripped of later embellishments.
The second portion examines how this pure teaching gradually transformed to accommodate monastic ideals and institutional needs. This transformation reveals the tension between authentic spiritual insight and organized religious practice, offering valuable lessons for contemporary seekers navigating their own spiritual paths.
Written in 1928 yet remarkably relevant today, this work addresses humanity's enduring quest for meaning in an age of scientific progress. Rhys Davids demonstrates that despite numerous publications on Buddhism, our understanding has remained surprisingly static. Her scholarly approach opens new horizons for both academic research and personal spiritual inquiry, making ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers seeking genuine transformation.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~12 hours)
📄 Length: 450 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Buddhist)
- ✓ Explore Pali literature
- ✓ Explore Histoire et critique
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore Littérature palie
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
