Established in 1958, the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS) was founded to publish Buddhist literature primarily for international distribution. Andrea Miller profiles the Buddhist Publication Society, the most important publisher of Theravada literature in English. The BPS was guided by Ven. Nyanaponika Mahathera for the first thirty years of its existence. Ven. Nyanaponika Thera and Ven. Piyadassi Nayaka Thera served as previous editors of the BPS.
The main focus of the BPS is publishing literature related to Theravada Buddhism. Their publications range from introductory texts on Buddhism to advanced works discussing detailed aspects of Buddhist doctrine and practice.
Notable basic books include Narada Mahathera’s “The Buddha and His Teachings”, Piyadassi Thera’s “The Buddha’s Ancient Path”, and Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli’s “Life of the Buddha”. The BPS also publishes accessible translations of significant works from the Pali Canon, such as the complete “Digha Nikaya” and “Majjhima Nikaya”, the “Dhammapada”, the “Udana”, and the “Itivuttaka”. Additionally, the Society contributes with detailed studies of individual suttas along with their commentaries.
Since 1975, the Society has maintained Bhikkhu Ñanamoli’s translation of the “Visuddhimagga”, titled “The Path of Purification”, and publishes “A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma” for more specialized interests. BPS’s English-language publications are categorized into three classes: two series of booklets called The Wheel and Bodhi Leaves, and full-size books.
BPS publications are valuable for those interested in studying and practicing other forms of Buddhism by offering insights into the roots of various traditions and an understanding of the core Buddhist doctrines shared across all schools.
Image courtesy of BPS.