[FrustratedMonky]

For an intro. I think the old stories have too many anachronisms for modern readers. There are too many meanings in the phrasing that the readers of the time would already know.

Do you know of any modern translations that frame the story in actual modern references?

[zer0tonin]

I think it would make a bad introduction to buddhist philosophy in any way, it's meant as a more "advanced" text imo. Starting with a plain english intro (like Alan Watts, The Way of Zen) or simpler texts (the Dhammapada) should be easier.