Verses from the Center

The understanding of the nature of reality is the insight upon which the Buddha was able to achieve his own enlightenment. This vision of the sublime is the source of all that is enigmatic and paradoxical about Buddhism. In Verses from the Center, Stephen Batchelor explores the history of this concept and provides listeners with translations of the most important poems ever written on the subject, the poems of 2nd century philosopher Nagarjuna.

©2000 Stephen Batchelor (P)2013 Audible Inc.

A resonant and heartful evocation of emptiness

I am so glad the author reads this book. It is playful and authentic and scholarly without ever being dry. The whole thing vibrates with dharma. I will be returning to this one over and over.

From a fixed past to freedom in the moment.

Excellent narrator, penetrating translation, and fine orientation of Nagarjuna in historical context. Listening was a revelation.

Sublime

I heard about this book listening to a dhamma talk from Ajahn Amaro and I instinctively knew it was a book I needed to listen to. It’s so beautiful, well translated and read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seriously on the Path.

Mind blowing

I loved both the poetry and the commentary. I am so grateful for the light that Stephen Batchelor casts on the Path with every book.

Unnecessary

The Buddha taught in language and in metaphor suited to the particular audience, with the intention of clarifying the path to liberation from suffering. These verses reflect patterns of over conceptualization, rather than simply supporting direct practice.