Shortest Holy Book

[Riverwolf]

Isn't it a bit of a stretch to mention holy books with 12 verses or less? I thought the OP meant "core" holy books or something similar.

Well, yeah, when you mention "core" holy books, the shortest one is really the Dao De Jing.

 

[wmjbyatt]

It definitely depends on the definition of hoy book. If we're talking about the text which most "defines" a particular religious organization, I'd agree with the Tao Te Ching. But The Gateless Gate, a Zen book of Koans, is probably shorter, and The Great Heart of Wisdom Sutra can be used almost by itself to teach a lot of the core of Buddhism (along with actual zazen practice, especially when teaching Zen Buddhism).

 

[K.Venugopal]

It definitely depends on the definition of hoy book. If we're talking about the text which most "defines" a particular religious organization...

I think that is a good point. How indeed do we define a holy book?

 

[Requia]

Hmm, depending on how 'holy book' is defined, the Gospel of Thomas.

 

[Tiapan]

The Desiderata, is short and sweet and addresses 99% of bigger more voluminous tomes of the bible and quran. Religious in nature the desiderata is applicable to most societies addressing their spiritual needs

Cheers

 

[Cypress]

The Desiderata, is short and sweet and addresses 99% of bigger more voluminous tomes of the bible and quran. Religious in nature the desiderata is applicable to most societies addressing their spiritual needs

Cheers

You mean this one?

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

 

[Tiapan]

Yep thats the one, does it really need any more.

Cheers

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Isn't it a bit of a stretch to mention holy books with 12 verses or less? I thought the OP meant "core" holy books or something similar.

Also, what counts as a book? There are some pretty short books of the Bible; just because they're now usually bound as one volume doesn't necessarily make them all one "book".

 

[K.Venugopal]

If more and more "short" books are being added, I think we must not leave out the slim volume of "The Prophet", Khalil Gibran's classic. If that is not a holy book, few books may qualify.

 

[Ariella]

Well, the hidden words of Bahá'u'lláh is very short!