{"product":{"product_id":"0802130313","title":"What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada","price":"9.29","image_url":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ShbNODqpL._SL500_.jpg","url":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130313"},"comments":[{"body":"[What the Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.ca/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313) is pretty good and often recommended.\r\n\r\n\u0026gt;This comprehensive, compact, lucid, and faithful account of the Buddha’s teachings persistently enjoys great popularity in colleges, universities, and theological schools both here and abroad. “An exposition of Buddhism conceived in a resolutely modern spirit.”—from the Foreword.  \r\n\u0026gt;  \r\n\u0026gt;“For years,” says the Journal of the Buddhist Society, “the newcomer to Buddhism has lacked a simple and reliable introduction to the complexities of the subject. Dr. Rahula’s What the Buddha Taught fills the need as only could be done by one having a firm grasp of the vast material to be sifted. It is a model of what a book should be that is addressed first of all to ‘the educated and intelligent reader.’ Authoritative and clear, logical and sober, this study is as comprehensive as it is masterly.”  \r\n\u0026gt;  \r\n\u0026gt;A classic introductory book to Buddhism, What the Buddha Taught, contains a selection of illustrative texts from the original Pali texts, including the Suttas and the Dhammapada (specially translated by the author), sixteen illustrations, and a bibliography, glossary, and index.","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"numbersev"},{"body":"This is a good book to start with:  https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/\r\n\r\nBuddhism itself doesn't recognize western holidays, however there is certainly nothing stating that Buddhists are not allowed to celebrate holidays of other religions/cultures.","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"dummkauf"},{"body":"[What The Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.ca/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313?asin=0802130313\u0026amp;revisionId=\u0026amp;format=4\u0026amp;depth=1)\r\n\r\n\u0026gt;What the Buddha Taught, by Theravadin Walpola Rahula, is a widely used introductory book on Buddhism for non-Buddhists. Using quotes from the sutras, Rahula gives his personal interpretation of what he regards to be Buddhism's essential teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, the Buddhist mind, the Noble Eightfold Path, meditation and mental development, and the world today.","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"numbersev"},{"body":"Strongly recommend: [What the Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39LE9UZV16OV8\u0026amp;keywords=what+the+buddha+taught\u0026amp;qid=1648417074\u0026amp;sr=8-1).\r\n\r\nIt will set a very strong foundation for you.","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"LarryBills"},{"body":"\u0026gt;However, aside from this I don't see myself making more progress. What I mean is I'm now trying to learn the four noble truths and the eightfold path but I don't know how to embody those practices. I'm just going to ask if you guys could give me some advice so that I could have some idea on where to go next.\r\n\r\nYou might consider picking up a copy of [What the Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313) — it goes into much detail specifically about the four noble truths and noble eightfold path, with some historical context regarding how the tenets of the noble eightfold path were and/or are to be followed.  It's not a long or difficult read, and most of the book is specifically about these topics in particular, as they are foundational to the Buddha's teachings.\r\n\r\nAside from that, I would mostly just recommend learning as much as you can about each part of the noble eightfold path, and try to think deeply about the ways your behavior matches or diverges from the intent behind each part, with the goal of identifying and adjusting those behaviors which don't yet match so well.","subreddit_name":"secularbuddhism","author":"forte2718"},{"body":"One of the characteristics of our world, as defined by the Buddha, is anatta or no-self.\r\n\r\nThere is no god self either, only an ever changing (anicca) impersonal (anatta) phenomenon. Our attachment towards the five aggregates in which we perceive the sensation of self, leads to suffering, is suffering in itself. (dukkha)\r\n\r\nI'd highly recommend you check out the book \"[What the Buddha thaught](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313)\" by Walpola Rahula for a clear and concise picture of the theoretical aspect of Dhamma.","subreddit_name":"vipassana","author":"freddydumont"},{"body":"[What the Buddha Taught](https://smile.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/ref=sr_1_1?s=books\u0026amp;ie=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1471895351\u0026amp;sr=1-1\u0026amp;keywords=rahula+what+buddha+taught), by far my favorite \"intro to Buddhism\" book.  This book is highly recommended here on this subreddit","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"BearJew13"},{"body":"I have some thoughts for you. I converted to Buddhism at 13 (now 28). I've gone through quite a few things to get to a place where I am happy with how I practice. Some of this is going to depend on your particular upbringings and worldviews but I'll try to make it as general as possible.\r\n\r\n1. Find a solid introductory text. Jumping straight into the Pali Canon or other suttas can be **incredibly** intimidating. Finding a, \"digested,\" text is often the best way to begin understanding the teachings. [The Dhammapada](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.intro.budd.html) and, [\"What the Buddha Taught,\"](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313) tend to be good starting points. If you do wish to read the Pali Canon, [Access to Insight](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/) is a good resource. The people who updated it have moved to a different site (I can't remember the name) but it is still a fantastic source.\r\n\r\n2. Practice regularly and constantly strive to improve your practice. Figure out what practices jive with you and set a regular schedule. And, even if something seems to be working, don't be afraid to analyze it and ask yourself, \"am I doing this correctly? Could I be doing it better?,\" etc. But above all, do *something.*\r\n\r\n3. Worry about practicing as an individual over as a member of a sect. One of the traps I fell into was getting really worried about what kind of Buddhist to label myself as. Initially, I got into Buddhism via exposure to Tibetan Buddhism. But I didn't feel that fit. So I tried Zen. Several arguments (on reddit) about whether Zen was *really* Buddhism made it lose its appeal. So I tried Theravada, but again it just didn't feel right. At some point in this journey I also began becoming heavily involved in skepticism. This caused some internal discomfort with some of the more metaphysical Buddhist beliefs and I actually neglected my practice for a long while. I stumbled upon so-called secular Buddhism but was told by the community writ large that many forms of Secular Buddhism were just cultural appropriation masked. Obviously, appropriating a culture is not high on my list of to-do's so that was a no go. I eventually realized that it was more important for me to come to a personal conclusion (based on valid cultural sources, when necessary) about these problems I had. I eventually did that and my practice has become much fuller as a result. Edit: I should have added that though your individual understand is paramount, finding a teacher and/or sanga is unparalleled when it comes to resources for navigating Buddhism. If you can, find a temple near you and don't be afraid to visit.\r\n\r\n4. Though it is important to respect the cultures that Buddhism comes from (both past and present) don't become overwhelmed by the cultural aspects. Start your journey at the core of Buddhism, really understand the meanings and purpose of the central teachings, and then begin incorporating other, more culturally specific aspects of Buddhism when you feel ready.\r\n\r\nThese are just some off-the-cuff thoughts I can think of. The path you take will be unique so some suggestions might apply, some might not. But don't be afraid to just jump in and see what happens!","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"theBuddhaofGaming"},{"body":"I liked this book: [What the Buddha taught](https://www.amazon.com.br/What-Buddha-Taught-Paul-Demieville/dp/0802130313).","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"h4ch1m4n-j1n"},{"body":"One of the most recommended book for beginners is [What the Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.com.au/What-Buddha-Taught-Pb-Rahula/dp/0802130313). I myself have yet to read it, but have gone through the contents page and can see that it presents the Four Noble Truths in very beginner-friendly manner.\r\n\r\nOne other book I would highly recommend is [The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html). It is completely free to read online and perhaps one of the of the best books introducing the Buddhist path to awakening.\r\n\r\nThere are more recommendations in the sidebar. Best wishes :)","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"etan_ashman"},{"body":"Check out Ajahn Sona's [short talk on the Four Noble Truths](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_elej83fZ-A\u0026amp;list=PLCXN1GlAupG0_DzIOFNrDSp0fTwTLkTxV). This is the foundation of all of Buddhism. If his approach resonates with you, you can continue on in the series with each talk on the Noble Eightfold Path.\r\n\r\nAjahn Sona is a Canadian born monk practicing in the Thai Forest Tradition. He is particularly adept at explaining difficult concepts to westerners where we often get tripped up.\r\n\r\nYou might also look into [What the Buddha Taught](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39LE9UZV16OV8\u0026amp;keywords=what+the+buddha+taught\u0026amp;qid=1648914561\u0026amp;sr=8-1) as a primer.","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"LarryBills"},{"body":"The sidebar of this sub is very helpful. In particular, I really like [What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/ref=nodl_)","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"longdog10"},{"body":"Cool stuff! \r\n\r\nIf I may, I have a book recommendation for Buddhism.  https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313\r\n\r\nIt’s very concise and highly regarded from what I understand.  As you said in your blog post, Buddhism has a lot of traditions and interpretations.  This book was intended to be a lowest common denominator, or essential overview of Buddhism.  \r\n\r\nNow, as a disclaimer, I’m not a Buddhist scholar, nor have I studied with many teachers from the east or west.  But I am a pretty diligent Buddhist practitioner, and I’ve read a fair amount on the topic.   As you said your intent is not necessarily accuracy or a comprehensive study of the topic, so make of all this what you will.  \r\n\r\nI love that you have the three characteristics in there.  They have this cool overlapping thing going on where you can start with any one of them and logically move to the others.  It’s been said that if you can see any two of them in your practice, you’ll understand the third and awaken :) \r\n\r\nDuhka, which you’ve translated as suffering in your post, can also be translated as unsatisfactoriness.  I prefer this term because I find it’s a little less loaded.  The message isn’t just that the world of experience is marked by suffering, it’s that nothing in our experience can permanently satisfy.  Habitually, we forget this which leads to much of our suffering.  \r\n\r\nAs for no self, I think you have a pretty good grasp on it.  Particularly here: \r\n\r\n\u0026gt;”soul”, for lack of a better term, is not a true self but rather malleable and impermanent.\r\n\r\nThe other piece of the puzzle there is that what we experience as self is not separate from everything.  It’s another aspect of conditioned experiential reality.  In other words, it’s subject to the interrelated/interdependent karma of the world. \r\n\r\nAnyhow, that was long, and I hope anyone reading this doesn’t interpret this as me saying “I know more about this, so you should listen to me”.  I just don’t get a chance to discuss this stuff often, so I kind of nerded out and brain dumped","subreddit_name":"rpg","author":"pappapetes"},{"body":"Wonderful that you are drawn to the Dhamma!\r\n\r\nYou might start your investigations by listening to Ajahn Sona's  [talk on the Four Noble Truths.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_elej83fZ-A\u0026amp;list=PLCXN1GlAupG0_DzIOFNrDSp0fTwTLkTxV) These are foundational to Buddhism and are shared across traditions.  (Also available as a podcast - just search his name.)\r\n\r\n[What the Buddha Taught](http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/What%20the%20Buddha%20Taught_Rahula.pdf) is a highly recommended book to understand the principles of Buddhism. [Hard copy](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313)\r\n\r\n[Mindfulness in Plain English](http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english.php) is a good starting point for a meditation method. I recommend a [hard copy](https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-English-Bhante-Henepola-Gunarantana/dp/1536610208) \\- it's well worth it!\r\n\r\nGood luck on your path! :)","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"LarryBills"},{"body":"Wonderful that you are drawn to the Dhamma!\r\n\r\n[What the Buddha Taught](http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/What%20the%20Buddha%20Taught_Rahula.pdf)\r\nis a highly recommended book to understand the principles of Buddhism.\r\n[Hard copy](https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313) \r\n\r\n[Mindfulness in Plain English](http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english.php) is a good starting point for a meditation method. I recommend a [hard copy](https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-English-Bhante-Henepola-Gunarantana/dp/1536610208) - it's well worth it!\r\n\r\nAjahn Sona has [a wonderful series of talks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_elej83fZ-A\u0026amp;list=PLCXN1GlAupG0_DzIOFNrDSp0fTwTLkTxV) on the Noble Eightfold Path. (Also available as a podcast - just search his name.)","subreddit_name":"Buddhism","author":"LarryBills"}]}