Desire, Death and Goodness

In this provocative study of a very early Buddhist text (theAtthakavagga) and two Theravada commentaries on it, Grace G. Burford highlights the significant differences between theAtthakavaggateaching concerning the ideal goal and the orthodox Theravada understanding of thatsummum bonum. Guiding the reader through a careful examination of these texts, Dr. Burford argues that - in contrast to the consistent and coherent value system of theAtthakavagga- the normative Theravada value system is split by the inclusion of metaphysical factors in the description of the ultimate goal.