Title : The Buddha and His Teachings
Author : Narada
Buddha’s life teaches one several lessons, about right and wrong, the meaning of life, the way to attain peace,path to Enlightenment and many more.As the book says : It is not a subject to be studied from a mere academic standpoint, but it is to be practised wholeheartedly.In this book, different facets of Buddha’s life have been covered to teach readers Buddhism in a better way.
As the back cover says ‘ The Buddha was the first most active missionary in the world.He wandered from place to place for forty-five years preaching His doctrine to the masses and the intelligentsia.Till His last moment,He served humanity both by example and by precept.His distinguished disciples followed suit.Penniless, they even traveled to distant lands to propogate the Dhamma, expecting nothing in return.
This treatise, written by a member of the Order of the Sangha, is based on the Pali Texts, commentaries, and traditions prevailing in Buddhist countries.
The first part of the book deals with the Life of the Buddha, the second with the Dhamma, the Pali term for His Doctrine.’
The book is sectioned into two facets :
First one is “The Buddha” which holds the description of buddha’s life from Birth to Renunciation, his struggle and enlightment, the Buddhahood, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, teaching of Dhamma, Buddha and his relatives, Buddha’s chief opponents and supporters, Buddha’s royal patrons, His Ministry, His Daily Routine and His Parinibbana (Death).
The second facet highlights on “The Dhamma: The teachings of the Buddha” focusing on Buddhism and it’s salient characteristics, the four noble truths, Kamma and its working and nature , Origin of Life, reasons to believe in Rebirth, the wheel of life (Paticca- Samuppada) ,modes of birth and death, planes of existence, how rebirth takes place, moral responsibility, Kammic Descent and Kammic Ascent, Doctrine of Kamma and rebirth in the west, Nibbana and it’s characteristics, ways to Nibbana (Morality,Concentration and Insight), The state of an Arahant,The Bodhisatta Ideal, perfections, the sublime states, the eight wordly connections and the problems of life.
This book encompasses different stages of Sainthood and how Buddha helped several people to attain Sainthood. This book gives a deep insight on Siddhartha’s life.His whole journey has been portrayed in the book.
It was really great to know about the life of such a great personality, who instead of having all the treasures in life, left all wordly pleasures in order to walk for the wellness of humanity , and in search of Truth and Peace.
For the one, who is interested in Buddhism and wants to learn and implement the teachings of Buddha in his/her life, this book is good to start with.
Rating : 5/5
Reviewer : Shweta Kesari
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