A Buddhist Bible (eBook)

Dwight Goddard (1861–1939) was an early influential figure in the dissemination of Buddhism in the United States. A pioneer in the American Zen Buddhist movement, Goddard's journey to Buddhism was precipitated by an extensive professional career as an engineer, which he eventually abandoned in pursuit of spiritual understanding. His quest led him first to Christian contemplative traditions and ultimately to the study of Buddhism. Goddard became most renowned for compiling and editing 'A Buddhist Bible' (1932), which was one of the first anthologies of Buddhist texts available to a Western audience. His work was seminal in introducing key concepts of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism to American readers. The anthology contains a diverse range of Buddhist scriptures and documents, carefully selected to capture the essence of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Goddard's editorial approach was unique for its time, combining a scholarly interest in Buddhism with a practical, accessible presentation. He sought to bridge the cultural gap by providing interpretive context for these texts, thus rendering them meaningful to a contemporary readership unfamiliar with Buddhist thought. His work has influenced notable figures such as D.T. Suzuki in spreading Buddhist ideas in the West. Goddard's contributions to the popularization of Buddhism in America are commemorated by his legacy as a critical intermediary who opened the doors to cross-cultural spiritual explorations.