Friedrich Max Müller Boeken

'If man's faith is unsteady, if he does not know the true law, if his peace of mind is troubled, his knowledge will never be perfect'

Beginning this work, Max Muller provides a thorough introduction to his translation of the Dhammapada -- perhaps the best-loved piece of Buddhist scripture. In it he explores the chronology of early Buddhism and its literature. The translation itself is accompanied by copious notes on the choices Muller made in rendering the original Pali into English. The Dhammapada, a collection of wisdom-sayings, is traditionally held to consist of words spoken by the Buddha on various occasions. Danish scholar Viggo Fausboll then offers his introduction to and translation of the Sutta Nipata, a text generally reckoned to be among the most primitive parts of the Theravada Buddhist canon on the grounds of its language and the stage in the formation of Buddhism that it depicts. The Sutta Nipata consists of verse and prose passages celebrating the path to enlightenment discovered by the Buddha, a wisdom that speaks to us even today. Pali words in this second edition are set using modern diacritical marks.

Focusing on the six major philosophical systems of India, this work provides an in-depth examination of the rich and varied traditions that have influenced Indian thought throughout history. Max Muller presents a thorough analysis, making complex ideas accessible and highlighting the significance of these philosophies in understanding the cultural and intellectual landscape of India.

Exploring the cultural and philosophical insights of India, F. Max Müller draws on his extensive knowledge as a philologist and Orientalist. First published in 1882, the work reflects his deep engagement with Indian texts and traditions, aiming to illuminate their relevance to Western thought. Müller's pioneering contributions to Indian studies and religious studies are evident throughout, making this book a significant resource for understanding the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophies.

The compilation features lectures delivered at the University of Cambridge, showcasing Thomas Carlyle’s insights that significantly contributed to his literary reputation. This historical masterpiece has garnered recognition as a definitive work on its subject, highlighting Carlyle's profound impact on literature and scholarship.

This two-volume set features the renowned Max Müller translation of the classical upanisads, originally published in the "Sacred Books of the East." It includes the full text, translated into English and annotated, of key upanisads: Chandogya, Kena, Aitareya, Kaushitaki, Isa, Katha, Mundaka, Taittiriyaka, Brhadaranyaka, Svetasvatara, Prasna, and Maitriyana. These texts are foundational documents recognized as authoritative across Indian religious and philosophical traditions. They have significantly shaped both Indian wisdom and Western thought, influencing philosophers such as Schlegel, Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Schelling. Written by various authors before 500 B.C., the upanisads exhibit a consistent aim: to seek truth through parables, proverbs, similes, and metaphors, employing a method akin to Socratic dialogue without establishing a formal system. While other translations exist, Müller’s edition is celebrated for its scholarly rigor, featuring over 250 pages of introductions that explore the upanisads' significance for contemporary society. These profound writings are essential for Indologists, philosophers, and historians of religion, offering valuable insights for modern readers interested in deep mystical and existential themes.

Exploring the intricate web of myths across cultures, this work delves into the similarities and distinctions found in legends from ancient Greece, India, Egypt, and the Middle East. F. Max Muller employs his expertise in language and literature to analyze how these myths evolve and influence cultural identity and belief systems. The volume includes additional essays on solar mythology, enriching the discussion. As a facsimile reprint, it aims to preserve a significant scholarly contribution while highlighting the enduring power of mythology in inspiring creativity.