Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king, The
Book Description
Journey into one of the earliest and most elegant accounts of the Buddha's path to enlightenment through this remarkable Sanskrit poem by the Buddhist monk Asvaghosa. Written in the first or second century CE, this work stands as a pioneering example of classical Indian literature, weaving spiritual instruction with artistic beauty.
The narrative follows Prince Siddhartha from his privileged birth through the profound moment of his spiritual awakening. Fourteen surviving cantos guide readers through the future Buddha's transformative encounters with the fundamental realities of human existence. The most powerful passages depict three pivotal moments when the sheltered prince confronts sickness, aging, and death for the first time, shattering his protected worldview and setting him on the path toward deeper understanding.
While his father attempts to distract him with worldly pleasures and beautiful companions, Siddhartha's growing awareness of suffering propels him toward spiritual seeking. Asvaghosa masterfully balances the tension between material temptation and spiritual calling, creating scenes that resonate with anyone who has felt the pull between comfort and growth.
More than mere entertainment, this poetic masterpiece serves as profound spiritual instruction. Asvaghosa presents Buddhist teachings as the natural culmination of ancient wisdom traditions, offering readers both literary artistry and transformative insights into the nature of awakening. This translation makes accessible a foundational text that bridges poetry and spiritual guidance.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~12 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Comparative Religion
📄 Length: 450 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand the life and teachings of Buddha
- ✓ Explore Poetry (poetic works by one author)
- ✓ Explore Poetry
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Gautama Buddha
- ✓ Explore Translations into English
- ✓ Explore Buddhists
- ✓ Explore General
