Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend
Book Description
Within the vast treasury of Buddhist wisdom lies a remarkable gem: a concise yet profound letter written by the legendary master Nagarjuna to a South Indian king nearly two millennia ago. This extraordinary correspondence, spanning just 123 verses, has transcended its original purpose to become one of the most revered texts in the Buddhist tradition.
What makes this ancient letter so enduring is its masterful integration of practical daily guidance with deep spiritual instruction. Nagarjuna weaves together accessible advice for ethical living alongside sophisticated teachings on the progressive stages toward enlightenment. This dual approach creates a complete roadmap for the Mahayana path, making profound wisdom accessible to practitioners at every level.
For centuries, Tibet's greatest scholars have turned to this text as an authoritative foundation for their own spiritual teachings, recognizing its unique ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The work demonstrates how spiritual development encompasses both our everyday choices and our highest aspirations.
This translation presents Nagarjuna's verses in both their original Tibetan form and carefully crafted English that preserves the poetic structure of the original. Enhanced with scholarly commentary, structural outlines, and comprehensive study aids, the book offers modern readers the tools to fully engage with this timeless wisdom. Whether you seek practical guidance for daily life or deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, this letter provides a clear and inspiring path forward.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 208 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Nagarjuna, active 2nd century
- ✓ Explore Suhr̥llekha (Nāgārjuna)
- ✓ Explore Religious life
- ✓ Explore Buddhism
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
- ✓ Explore Correspondence
- ✓ Explore Buddhism, doctrines
