Knowing Buddha Life And Teachings

Maha Bodhi Society of India writes in its foreword, Knowing Buddha is a well planned and richly written book... has achieved a rare balance between reason and emotion, in keeping with the great and sublime tradition and teaching of the Buddha and his Middle Path .When people ask, What do you have to do to become a Buddhist? we say that we take refuge in Buddha Dhamma Sangha. And to take refuge we recite a formula in the Pali language:Buddham sharanam gachhamiI go to the Buddha for refuge.Sangham sharanam gachhamiI go to the Sangha for refuge.Dhammam sharanam gachhamiI go to the Dhamma for refuge

Embark on a captivating journey through the life and teachings of one of the greatest spiritual teachers in history with "Know About Lord Buddha." This beautifully written biography explores the extraordinary story of Prince Siddhartha, who later became known as Lord Buddha, inspiring millions around the world with his profound wisdom and boundless compassion. Step into the ancient kingdom of Kapilavastu, where a prophecy foretold the birth of a great soul destined to bring light to the world. Witness the miraculous events surrounding the Buddha's birth and follow his early life as he grapples with the deeper questions of human existence. Be moved by the pivotal moment of the Great Renunciation, as Prince Siddhartha makes a momentous decision to leave behind his princely life and set forth on a quest for enlightenment. Join him on his awe-inspiring journey through the forest, where he encounters ascetics and delves into deep meditation in search of ultimate truth. Experience the moment of Enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree, as the Buddha attains profound realization of the Four Noble Truths and sets forth on his mission to alleviate suffering and guide humanity towards inner liberation. Delve into the heart of the Buddha's teachings with an exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—a comprehensive guide to living a life of wisdom and virtue. Discover the Middle Way—the path of balance and moderation that the Buddha emphasized as essential to true happiness. Celebrate the essential role of women in the Buddha's life, from his devoted mother, Queen Maya, to the first ordained female disciples, highlighting the Buddha's teachings on equality and empowerment. As the journey unfolds, witness the spread of the Buddha's teachings and the development of Buddhism into a major world religion. Gain insight into the relevance of the Buddha's wisdom in the modern world, addressing the challenges of the 21st century with compassion and wisdom. "Know About Lord Buddha" is a timeless treasure for readers of all ages, beautifully capturing the essence of Lord Buddha's teachings in simple and accessible language. Whether you are a seeker of wisdom, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for profound insights into life, this book offers a transformative and enlightening experience. Let the compassion, wisdom, and love of Lord Buddha inspire and illuminate your heart. Unravel the rich tapestry of Lord Buddha's life and teachings and discover the boundless wisdom that continues to resonate across time and cultures.

There are many accounts of the Buddha's life that mix legend and history. This compelling new biography discriminates between fact and fiction to reveal Gautama, the remarkable human being behind the legends, and shed new light on his teachings. Plunging us into the noise, smells and jostling streets of Gautama's world, Vishvapani Blomfield brings the Buddha to life as a passionate and determined individual ? a strikingly modern figure who rejected contemporary beliefs and found his own answers by mastering his mind. Even after he gained Enlightenment and became the Buddha ('the Awakened One') Gautama experienced struggles as well as triumphs as he trod India's dusty paths. Vishvapani shows how he sought to establish a community of practitioners amid his society's divided culture and perilous politics and how the ideas that became the Buddhist teachings grew from Gautama's efforts to address the needs and beliefs of his listeners. Drawing on years of meticulous research into original sources, Gautama Buddha takes us within touching distance of one of history's greatest figures.

Composed entirely of texts from the Pali canon, this unique biography presents the oldest authentic record of the Buddha’s life and revolutionary philosophy. The ancient texts are rendered here in a language marked by lucidity and dignity, and a framework of narrators and voices connect the canonical texts. Vivid recollections of his personal attendant Ananda and other disciples bring the reader into the Buddha’s presence, where his example offers profound inspiration and guidance on the path to freedom.

Do You Know Who You Are? is a unique study of the earliest recorded "discourses" of the Buddha, taking an approach that is at once psychological, philosophical, and literary. In a market abundant with how-to books for spiritual practitioners and advice for achieving a happy life by Buddhist masters, this book offers original readings of some of the most powerful of the Buddha's teachings, which take the form of conversations with a wide range of people: disciples, wandering Hindu philosophers, Brahmin white supremacists, ordinary householders, and even a tyrant. It is a book for all literate, thoughtful people who want to read for themselves what the Buddha really said and to understand their own condition better. The book is a series of essays on specific passages from the Buddha's original Discourses, which blossom and buzz when read with careful thought and sensitivity. It is an introduction to the Buddha's radical empiricism for all people who like to read, think, and investigate; and in it the reader will find texts of great literary beauty and philosophical profundity. It is a book for people who might have no interest in becoming Buddhists as well as for advanced practitioners, who will find these readings fresh and invigorating. Readers will come away from this book with a deepened understanding of their own lives, an intimacy with the Buddha's penetrating mind, and a desire for further study of these wonderful texts and, above all, of themselves. Book jacket.

From the outside, Buddhism seems like a bundle of contradictions wrapped inside a paradox. It is a religion without a god, a belief system without rules, and a faith that encourages its adherents to question everything, including its own teachings. You could spend a lifetime studying Buddhist texts and following its observances and still feel like you’ve only just barely scratched the surface. Yet, over the past 2500 years, this lovely religion that preaches compassion, generosity, tolerance, selflessness and self-awareness has commanded the fervent devotion of hundreds of millions of people around the world who believe it to be the true path to enlightenment. If you’re curious about Buddhism but feel intimidated by all the exotic jargon and strange trappings, this book is for you. Written by two leading American Buddhist teachers and scholars, it offers you a uniquely friendly way to explore the fascinating history of Buddhism and discover: Who Buddha was and his significance in world history and spirituality How the practice of Buddhism can enrich your everyday life How Buddha’s teachings combine to create a path to enlightenment Daily observances and meditation practices How to fulfill your highest potential through Buddhism In plain English, experts Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian define the important terms, explain the key concepts and explore, in-depth a wide range of topics, including: Buddha’s life and teachings and the evolution of the major Buddhist traditions How Buddhism works as a religion, philosophy of life and a practical approach to dealing with life’s problems, all rolled into one The idea that the mind is the source of all happiness and suffering How the practices of wisdom and compassion can connect you with your inner spiritual resources Meditation and other core Buddhist practices and how they can affect your everyday life How to apply Buddhist teachings at each stage along the spiritual path Whether you’re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what’s got Richard Gere and all the rest of those celebrity Buddhists so excited, Buddhism For Dummies is your intro to Buddhism basics.