The Balavariani: Barlaam and Josaphat: A Tale from the Christian East [Paperback]

Originally published in 1966, the full Georgian text of the oldest version of this Christian version of this matchless classic of Oriental wisdom literature is made accessible to a wider readership in an English translation. Based on a unique manuscript preserved in the Greek Patriarchate at Jerusalem, this rendering should appeal to those interested in comparative religion, Buddhism, medieval Christianity, the history of monasticism and in the literature of the Georgians and other ancient nations of the former Soviet Union.

Introduction: The Origins and History of Balavariani and its Place Among the Treasures of World Literature. A Hymn to the Blessed Iodasaph. Balavariani Or the Story of Barlaam and Josaphat Book 1: The Life of the Blessed Iodasaph, Son of Abenes, King of India, whom the Blessed Father and Teacher Balahvar converted. Book 2: Concerning the Arrival of our Holy and Blessed Father Balahvar, who converted the Kings Son to the Religion of Christ. Fable the First: The Trumpet of Death: The Four Caskets. Fable the Second: The Sower. Fable the Third: The Man and the Elephant. Fable the Fourth: The Man and His Three Friends. Fable the Fifth: The King for One Year. Fable the Sixth: Dogs and Carrion. Fable the Seventh: Physician and Patient. Fable the Eighth: The Sun of Wisdom. Fable the Ninth: The King and the Happy Poor Couple. Fable the Tenth: The Rich Youth and the Poor Maiden. Fable the Eleventh: The Fowler and the Nightingale. Fable the Twelfth: The Tame Gazelle Fable the Thirteenth: The Costume of Enemies. Book 3: The Life and Ministry of the Blessed Iodasaph, the Kings Son, whom the Holy Father Balahvar converted, and whl–