Find your path with "What the Buddha Taught"

Find your path with "What the  Buddha Taught"

Asha Dey

As a person on a spiritual quest,I have read many books on philosophy and religion, trying to understand and assimilate the teachings to connect with my innerself. While, some provided me withhidden gems of wisdom, some guided me towards my path. But,reading DrWalpola Sri Rahula’s ‘What the Buddha Taught’ helped me find aninstantconnect with my true self, with humancapacity, and Buddhist teachings in its

truest essence. 

Considered a classic introductory book to Buddhism, the allure of What the Buddha Taught’ lies in the illustrations of the original Pali texts,including the Dhammapada and the

Suttas. The book is based on the basicteachings of the Buddha, as found in theTipitaka or Pali Canon. It expounds on the Buddhist philosophies of fournoble truths, the middle path,no-soul or anatta, meditation, along with focusing on the relevance of Buddhism in today’s world.

Reading ‘What the Buddha Taught’ felt like reconnecting with some familiartruths that were ying dormant in the subconscious mind, such as connecting with one’s self, being mindful aboutyour surrounding, living in the present moment, Karma and the concept of no-self.

What is interesting to note is that the book is not a treatise on Buddhism, but focuses on putting Buddhistphilosophies into practice. In fact, Dr. Rahula covers an entire chapter on practical approach to Buddhism, emphasising on meditation. Thesimplicity with which Dr.Rahula acquaints the reader with anapanasati(mindfulness of breathing), it becomes easier for the readersto assimilate such a technique in their dailylives as well. Further the author focuses on developing mindfulnessin our actions, along with teachings to reflect during meditative mind states, which includes the seven factors ofenlightenment and the five hindrances.

Someone on a quest to find their inner-self will find this wonderful introductory book on the Buddha’s teachings a great resource to referto on a constant basis. It inspires the

readers to continue their quest to findanswers to the elementary question of seeking the essence of life. Personally,it provided a deluge of answers, andcalmed my inner self. For others, it may mean starting a new  journey.This book could have different effects on different people, considering the distance they have walked on their path to find themselves. But, one thing is for sure, it would certainly be amilestone in their lives!.

About the author:

A compulsive writer, a mad thinker, a marooned traveller, and an accidental photographer, 

Asha Dey is also the

Senior Editor of WisdomWinds. Follow 

her on Twitter @deyasha18.

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