1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book brings the wisdom and teachings of the Buddha to life in order to help readers understand and discover a path to peace, joy, and freedom.
“True wisdom is not acquired by reading many books, but by developing one’s own understanding through meditation and reflection.”
Quick Info
Category: Philosophy
Publish Date: 1974-01-01
# Pages: 151
ISBN: 0802130313
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Table of Contents
Overview
What the Buddha Taught, written by Walpola Rahula, is an in-depth exploration of the teachings of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Rahula presents a comprehensive overview of the Buddha’s teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Middle Way, and other topics.
He also provides a detailed examination of the core beliefs and practices of Buddhism, such as meditation, karma, and the Three Universal Characteristics.
Finally, Rahula also touches on the social, political, and cultural context in which the Buddha lived and taught.
This book is an essential resource for those who are looking to understand the life and teachings of the Buddha and the fundamentals of Buddhism.
4 Key Lessons from What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
1. The Law of Impermanence
This lesson teaches us that everything in our lives is subject to change and nothing is permanent.
By understanding and accepting this lesson, we can learn to be more present in the moment and cultivate more gratitude for the people, objects, and experiences we have in our lives.
This understanding can help us to appreciate the beauty in life and appreciate the things that we have while they are here, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
2. The Four Noble Truths
This lesson teaches us that life is filled with suffering, and that the cause of our suffering is our attachment to impermanent things.
By understanding and accepting this lesson, we can learn to let go of our attachments, cultivate more equanimity, and learn to live in the present moment with more peace and joy.
3. The Eightfold Path
This lesson teaches us the eight steps to living a meaningful and peaceful life.
The eight steps are
Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
By understanding and following these steps, we can learn to live a more mindful and meaningful life, free from suffering.
4. The Three Universal Characteristics
This lesson teaches us that all things in life are subject to suffering, impermanence, and non-self.
By understanding and accepting this lesson, we can learn to let go of our attachment to material things, cultivate more equanimity, and learn to appreciate the beauty in life.
This understanding can help us to find peace and joy in life, even when it is filled with difficulty and suffering.
Who Should Read It
This book is recommended for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the teachings of Buddhism, particularly those new to the subject.
It is also a great resource for religious studies scholars, as well as Buddhist practitioners, looking to explore Buddhist teachings in more depth.
Where to Get It
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About Walpola Rahula
Walpola Rahula was a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar.
He was born in 1907 and ordained at the age of 11.
He studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and India, and was conferred a Doctorate of Literature from the University of Calcutta.
He taught at the University of Sri Lanka and was a visiting professor at universities throughout Europe and the United States.
His most famous book, What the Buddha Taught, was published in 1959 and has since become a classic introduction to Buddhism for many readers.
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Over to You
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Simon
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