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★★★★★
OUTSTANDING introductory text on Buddhism!
The Venerable Dr. Walpola Sri Rahula has produced one of the best texts I have ever read on Buddhism! There are many books that incorrectly talk about Buddhism, and they sometimes have many incorrect interpretations of the Buddha.
Venerable Rahula does an outstanding job in his correct translations/interpetations of important teachings of the Buddha from a Theravāda point of view.
The reader is introduced to core Buddhist teachings such as:
-The Buddhist attitude of Mind
-The Four Noble Truths (each one having its own chapter)
- The Eightfold Path
-The doctrine of No-Self: Anatta. This is one of the most important ones and the author talks about how 'self' is incorrectly being introduced by some authors, etc. The book also covers the Five Aggregates which ties in with the doctrine of Anatta.
-Meditation: Everything from a few 'basic' meditation techniques to explanations of why meditate.
-What the Buddha Taught and the World Today: This great section shows how to apply the Buddhas teachings into everyday life. There is even the 10 duties of a ruler (Government).
And finally, there is 'selected texts' which provide even more insight. It was a refreshing thing to read these after the book because the context was more readily understandable.
A glossary is included to help you understand words used in Buddhism. Throughout the book you are introduced to the correct sayings and words.
This book is one of my top five picks for anyone just beginning to learn about Buddhism.
July 2000 · Books