Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Buddhist Studies / Philosophy / Religious Literature

Book Review:
''Nagarjuna's Letter to King Gautamiputra'' is a precious gem of Buddhist literature, made accessible to English readers through the careful scholarship of three distinguished translators. As the reviews collected on the back cover attest, this work has been recognized as a valuable contribution to Buddhist studies since its publication.

The text itself is a letter written by Nagarjuna, the second-century Indian philosopher who is arguably the most important figure in Mahayana Buddhism after the Buddha himself. Nagarjuna's philosophical works, particularly his Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way), have shaped Buddhist thought across Asia for nearly two millennia. But this letter offers something different: a practical guide to Buddhist ethics and practice, addressed to a king who sought instruction in the Dharma.

The letter covers a wide range of topics: the importance of faith, ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom, and the qualities of a good ruler. It is both a personal document—a teacher advising a student—and a systematic presentation of Buddhist path. The translators describe it as ''a concise and comprehensive manual of instruction in the doctrine and practice of Buddhist religion and philosophy,'' and this is accurate.

What makes this edition particularly valuable is its scholarly apparatus. The translation is based not directly on the original Sanskrit (which is lost) but on three Tibetan commentaries, allowing readers to understand how the text was interpreted in the Tibetan tradition. The explanatory notes following each verse clarify difficult points and situate the teachings in their broader context. The inclusion of the original Tibetan text in calligraphic script is a nice touch for those who read Tibetan.

The reviews reprinted on the back cover speak to the book's quality. A.M. Ghose of The Hindustan Times calls it ''a valuable addition to the literature on Buddhism'' that provides ''insight into Buddhism and Buddhist ethics.'' H.G. Shastri praises the ''lucid style'' of the translation. These endorsements from respected sources add credibility to the work.

For students of Buddhism, this book offers access to a primary text that is both accessible and profound. For scholars, the notes and commentaries provide material for deeper study. And for general readers interested in Buddhist ethics and philosophy, it offers a window into how Buddhism was taught to those in positions of power and responsibility.

The publication by Motilal Banarsidass, a publisher renowned for its scholarly works on Indian religion and philosophy, ensures high production standards. The book is well-printed and durable, suitable for a lifetime of study.

''Nagarjuna's Letter to King Gautamiputra'' is a work that deserves a place in every serious library of Buddhist studies. It is a testament to the enduring power of Nagarjuna's wisdom and the skill of translators who make that wisdom available to new generations. Highly recommended.