The Teaching of Buddha by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) is a book that introduces readers to the world of Buddhism. It provides a concise and accurate overview of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path laid out in Gautama Buddha's teachings, and how to practice them in everyday life. Along with these core teachings, the book also explores the various schools of Buddhism, and the spread of Buddhism in bothhistory and modern times. Written in an accessible style, The Teaching of Buddha is an engaging introduction to one of the world's major religions.
The Teaching of Buddha starts with a detailed explanation of the Four Noble Truths. These truths form the basis of the Buddhist faith and address the issues of life, death, suffering, and enlightenment. The first truth is the truth of suffering, which states that suffering is unavoidable in life. The second truth explains the cause of suffering, which is craving and attachment to worldly objects. The third truth is the truth of cessation, or the end of suffering, which is achieved through the extinction of desire and attachment. Finally, the fourth truth is the truth of the path, or the path to enlightenment and nirvana. This path includes the Eightfold Path of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
Once the Four Noble Truths and the path to enlightenment are explained, the book moves on to explore the various schools of Buddhism. It examines Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. These schools offer different interpretations and approaches to practice, but ultimately strive to teach the basic Buddhist message: that the only way to end suffering is to extinguish desire and attachment.
The Teaching of Buddha also covers the history of Buddhism and how it has spread over time. Starting with its introduction in India, it follows Buddhism as it is transmitted through the Silk Road, goes to Southeast Asia and eventually becomes a major religion in China, Japan, and other parts of the world. This section also talks about the different forms of Buddhism, from the iconic Zen Buddhism of Japan to the popular Mahayana Buddhism of China.
Finally, the Teaching of Buddha looks at how the teachings of Buddha are practiced in the modern world. This section looks at how people are connecting to Buddhism—from lay devotees who practice at home to professional monastics in monasteries. It also looks more broadly to the new age movement, which incorporates many aspects of Buddhism alongside other spiritual practices. Throughout this section, the empahsis is on how anyone can practice Buddhism and find peace and contentment in everyday life.
Overall, The Teaching of Buddha by BDK is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism. It offers an informative and accessible introduction to the core teachings and practices of Buddhism, and shows the amazing impact it has had all around the world. With its clear explanation of Buddhism's history and modern relevance, it is an ideal book for those new to Buddhist principles or for those wanting to further their study of the religion.
