The Buddha Digest.

a verse translation by

David Evans

Like my translation of the Dhammapada elsewhere on this website, The Buddha Digest is a book of verse closely based on Pali textual sources. However, because of the well
known difficulties of rendering the formal and repetitious style of the Suttas, Vinaya, and Játakas in a reader-friendly way it isn't a translation but a series of verse paraphrases of selected texts that aim to be accurately informative about the content of Buddhism's earliest scriptures whilst also being inspirational in character, and in some respects suitable for public use.

Part One is based on the Suttas and Vinaya and consists of some seventy freestanding sections of verse with notes and indication of sources. These tell the story of Gotama's ministry and teaching in a sequence that is partially chronological and partially thematic. Part Two is a selection of Játaka stories.

The work is 182pp and can be purchased from the author for £8.00 (including postage) at:

43A Temple Gate Road. Leeds LS 15 OHF.

Alternatively e-mail me at : for further information. I hope to produce a CD converting some of the material into chant or song in due course.