Buddhism continues to enjoy increasing interest in the West, both for its emphasis on reflection and meditation and as an object of scholarship. Drawing the words actually spoken by the Buddha, Rahula gives a full account of his fundamental teachings, from the Buddhist attitude of mind and meditation to the Buddha's teaching in the contemporary world. The text also features a selection of texts from original Buddhist literature.
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'By far the best introduction to Buddhism available.' --R.F. Gombrich, Boden Professor of Sanskrit, University of Oxford.
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First Sentence
Among the founders of religions the Buddha (if we are permitted to call him the founder of a religion in the popular sense of the term) was the only teacher who did not claim to be other than a human being, pure and simple. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Among the founders of religions the Buddha (if we are permitted to call him the founder of a religion in the popular sense of the term) was the only teacher who did not claim to be other than a human being, pure and simple. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Walpola's book is beautifully and clearly written. Abundant citations of the Buddha's own words as recorded in the original Pali texts make the reader feel like he's getting "the real story" on Buddhism. Some of it is hard for the western, scientific mind to swallow (eg. the Five Aggregates), and the section on reincarnation was rather vague and unclear compared to the rest of the book. Nonetheless, an extremely useful read, with some beautiful texts and sayings in the appendix.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By D. Martin
Format:Paperback
A fantastic book covering the basic elements of Theravada Buddhism through to application in everyday life. Walpola Rahula is a learned Buddhist whose lifelong devotion and studies show clearly in his writing.
While the concepts are simple, re-reading the first few chapters was often necessary to fully understand the more fundemental tennents of Buddhist thought. And with every reading a new gem of insight was discovered. The final chapter was perhaps one of the most refreshing passages I have read in a long time, as the book beautifully illustrates the practical application of Buddhist thought in daily life.
Most inspirational of all, the authors claim that these "Buddhist qualities" belong to neither Buddhist, nor any other faith. The lessons can be applied by all, regardless of faith or observation of ceremonies or sabaths.
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Pelotonius
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you are looking for a book to introduce you to the basics of Buddhism in simple, easy to understand terms you won't find a better book than this. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Perfect for beginners and Buddhist practitioners who want to get 'back to basics'
An added bonus is that it doesn't just cover the basics such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path it also has detailed sections on Meditation, Practical uses of Buddhism in everyday life (which is the very essence of Buddhism) How to become a Buddhist, How to obtain high self-esteem and the last words of the Buddha as well as other insights into this fascinating religion.
If Buddhism interests you and you want a book that doesn't confuse and confound you on the turn of every page, its this one
An added bonus is that it doesn't just cover the basics such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path it also has detailed sections on Meditation, Practical uses of Buddhism in everyday life (which is the very essence of Buddhism) How to become a Buddhist, How to obtain high self-esteem and the last words of the Buddha as well as other insights into this fascinating religion.
If Buddhism interests you and you want a book that doesn't confuse and confound you on the turn of every page, its this one
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear and profound
I have been interested in Buddhism for most of my life. Although I have always been familiar with the ideas behind Buddhism I have not attempted any serious study of Buddha's... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ouyang
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good for a beginner
I have read several books in an effort to get a general understanding of Buddhism without getting too little information or getting too in depth before wanting to. Read more
Published 2 months ago by anyone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
It's a great book. Clearly written and structured, perfect reading for a beginner in Buddhism who expects knowledgable but accessible reading to start with.
Published 3 months ago by Tomasz Fiszer
5.0 out of 5 stars
OUTSTANDING introductory text on Buddhism!
The Ven. Dr. Walpola Sri Rahula has produced one of the best texts I have ever read on Buddhism! There are many out there that incorrectly talk about Buddhism and they also have... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Alan Peto
4.0 out of 5 stars
What the Buddha Taught Paperback
A very interesting read. Each chapter holds your attention very nicely. I hadn't read anything on Buddhism before this and although some of it was a bit confusing to me, halfway... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Shepo
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent introduction
Of all the books I've read on Buddhism this is by far the best. Accessible, clear and concise it explains all the key points of Therevadan Buddhism using quotations from original... Read more
Published 13 months ago by D. C. Ricketts
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightening and informative
Rahula writes a very informative account of buddhism. One thing I found when trying to research "doctrines" of buddhism (take 'anatta' as example) Rahula's account here in "What... Read more
Published 15 months ago by manoftheclothe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply awesome!
I have read other books about Buddhism before like Buddhism plain and simple which was not simple at all. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars
First-rate introduction to Buddhism from a Theravada perspective
My commentary refers to an old french edition of this book.
This is I think the best book to get if you're beginning to be interested in buddhism and have many doubts... Read more
This is I think the best book to get if you're beginning to be interested in buddhism and have many doubts... Read more
Published 21 months ago by lourinha
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Introduction but I wouldn't buy it here.
I've read many books that introduce you to buddhism and this is one of my very favourites. It explains everything extremely well and I keep it by my shrine as one of two books... Read more
Published on 11 May 2011 by Richard Smith
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