Following on the Pāli Canon readings from last month, this month the library added tags on the Vinaya and Sutta Pitikas as well as the Chinese Agamas. I’m especially happy to share this translation of the Canonical Vinaya:

The canonical explication of the monastic rules.

As well as this anthology of stories about the Buddha’s disciples:

Just as the sun is valued not only for its own intrinsic radiance but also for its ability to illuminate the world, so the brilliance of the Buddha is determined not only by the clarity of his Teaching but by his ability to illuminate those who came to him for refuge

The Buddha’s first generation of followers established the traditions and values of the early Sangha. Indeed, it is nearly impossible to understand Buddhism without understanding the lives of the early Buddhist saints. This rich and inspiring series of biographies editted by Bhikkhu Bodhi mainly draws from the traditional commentaries of the Theravada tradition and so provides an excellent balance between readability and faithfulness to the source material. A must read for all students of Buddhism.

But, in addition to the usual Buddhist stuff, this month also saw the addition of a new tag on The (Human) World featuring miscellaneous favorites of mine, such as:

To be female is to have the dukkha of a female. To be male is to have the dukkha of a male. […] If we deludedly think ‘I am happy’ then we must suffer accordingly.

In which the hacker tourist ventures forth across the wide and wondrous meatspace of three continents, acquainting himself with the customs and dialects of previously unknown and unchronicled folk … and other material pertaining to the business and technology of Undersea Fiber-Optic Cables, as well as an account of the laying of the longest wire on Earth

Insofar as it disintegrates, it is called the ‘world.’

One thing we can be certain of is that capitalism will end.

As with all the tags, if there’s any favorite of yours missing, I’d love to hear about them! Feel free to email suggestions or accolades any time.

Until then, or next time,

Best wishes,
Than Khemarato
The Librarian