Majjhima Nikaya. Middle Length Sayings of the Buddha. Part I

Majjhima Nikaya, or "Middle Length Sayings of the Buddha," is the central collection of canonical texts of Theravada Buddhism. This collection includes some of the oldest suttas, considered to be the words of the Buddha Gotama - the founder of Buddhism, who lived 2500 years ago. The 152 texts of the Majjhima Nikaya cover a wide range of themes - from ethical foundations to instructions on meditation and the revelation of liberating insight. The exposition unfolds in an engaging sequence of scenarios depicting the Buddha in lively conversation with people from various strata of Indian society - with kings and princes, priests and ascetics, simple villagers and erudite philosophers. These conversations, full of drama, reasoned arguments, vivid allegories, and metaphors, showcase the Buddha in all his magnificent wisdom, majestic exaltation, and compassionate humanity.