What the Buddha Taught

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Summary: THE Authoritative Introductory Text on Theravada Buddhism
Review: Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught" has become a kind of measuring stick for introductory Buddhist texts. Clearly written, intelligently presented, and relatively unbiased, it paints a fairly accurate picture of Buddhism in general and Theravada (Vietnamese, Indian, Sri Lankan, etc.) Buddhism in particular. It covers all the major aspects of Buddhist belief: the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Three Jewels, the Doctrine of An-Atman (no-soul), but with a definite Theravada twist.

Buddhism is very difficult for many Westerners to understand, simply because it relies on a very different worldview. Most of the books available to Westerners (and I shudder when I see things like "The Zen Buddhist Tarot" in bookstores) are watered-down, feel-good nonsense that distills the "cosmic, dude!" aspects of Buddhism and leaves none of the religion's more difficult aspects intact. Rahula's book does none of that, and manages to communicate the Buddhist cosmology very effectively - no mean feat, considering that an understanding of Hindu thought is almost necessary to fully comprehend Buddhism.

But make no mistake, "What the Buddha Taught" is an introductory book, and nothing more. It contains no primary texts, and those interested in Buddhist Scripture and the actual PRACTICE of the religion in the world today would be better served to augment this introduction with "The Experience of Buddhism," edited by John S. Strong. Otherwise, "WTBT" is a good nudge in the direction of Buddhist thought. If there is a fault here, it is that Rahula can wax a little in favor of Theravada Buddhism (he makes several sly stabs at Mahayana cosmology here and there), but that is to be expected, and the serious reader/scholar can overlook these faults for the much better whole.

Final Grade: B+

Rating:
Summary: Good introduction
Review: A good introduction to Therevada Buddhism that distills the essence of that path. Highlights Western misconceptions of Buddhism and includes an important introduction to the doctrine of Anatta, or No-Self. I also recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold as a great introduction to Buddhist ideals.

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Summary: An authoritative and clear account on Buddhism
Review: A most respectable monk who has practised and taught the teachings of Buddha writes this authoritative and clear account on Buddhism. The edition contains a sample of Suttas and Dhammapada. This is an excellent introduction to Buddhism to any westerner who has a desire to understand the essence of Buddhism.

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Summary: Perhaps the single best simple modern book on Buddhism
Review: Well, I think the title says it all. This book is, perhaps, the greatest, most simple, most easily understood book for the beginning student of Buddhism ever written. Understand, however, that this book deal with only ONE school of Buddhism (Theraveda), not all schools, but this does not (in my opinion) diminish its greatness as an introductory "text." The simplicity of language and terms is perfect for any reader. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to understand Buddhism for any reason.

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Summary: Clear, concise and to the point
Review: This work shows up on many "Best Books on Buddhism" lists--for good reason. It is clear, concise and to the point. However, it is written from the perspective of the Theraveda tradition and is hence quite austere and "minimalist".

Anyone with a serious or casual interest in Buddhism will find this work helpful.

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Summary: Essential Reading on Buddhism
Review: This little book is the best I have encountered yet as an introduction to Buddhism. I have read it cover to cover three times now and I still find little gems. It has also cleared up some areas of confusion generated by other books on Buddhism. It is hard to express my admiration for this book.

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Summary: The Best Introduction to Buddhism
Review: This is an excellent introduction to the essential teachings of the Buddha with a brief history of the development of the religion and its various sects. While there is a hint of Mahayanist bias, it is for the most part a scholarly, yet highly readable, objective description of the Buddha's original teachings and the beliefs and teachings that evolved over the next centuries. At the top of my list for "first reads" about Buddhism.

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Summary: A Classic
Review: This is a book on Buddhism that has been repeatedly read again and again by me. It is simple and contains the basic and (I believe ) important teachings of the Buddha. It has certainly contributed to my understanding and practice of the teachings of Buddha. I am no Buddhist scholar but a lay practitioner. I sincerely recommend this to beginners. I like the section on various important sutras and sayings from the Dhammapada at the end of the book. This is useful to assist my practice through life.

Rating:
Summary: Clear and simple explanation of Buddhist basics
Review: This is a wonderful introduction to Buddhism. Many texts can get bogged down by the foreign terminology, and many non-Buddhists can easily become intimidated by the unfamiliar language and ideas, but this does not happen in this text. The author has a beautifully simple way of expressing basic Buddhist history and philosophy, and it's a highly recommended starting point for anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism.

Rating:
Summary: The Best introduction to Buddhism
Review: Books reflect the view point of the writer BUT this author wrote a book with the basics without pushing his own view. I always suggest it as a first book for people interested in learning about Buddhism. It was my first boook on the subject. I read it and am now a Buddhist (and a nun).