The Message Of Buddha

Republished as part of K. N. Jayatilleke, Facets of Buddhist Thought: Collected Essays; Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, 2008. ISBN: 9789552403354.

The Message of Buddhism is an adaptation of the Buddhist Catechism of the late Subhadra Bhikkhu which was first published in 1888. The eighth and last edition of the Catechism was translated into English by C. T. Strauss, and was published by the Maha-Bodhi Society in 1908.

Philosophy of the Buddha is a philosophical introduction to the teaching of the Buddha. It carefully guides readers through the basic ideas and practices of the Buddha, including kamma (karma), rebirth, the not-self doctrine, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, ethics, meditation, non-attachment, and Nibbâna (Nirvana). The book includes an account of the life of the Buddha as well as comparisons of his teaching with practical and theoretical aspects of some Western philosophical outlooks, both ancient and modern. Most distinctively, Philosophy of the Buddha explores how Buddhist enlightenment could enable us to overcome suffering in our lives and reach our full potential for compassion and tranquillity. This is one of the first books to introduce the philosophy of the Buddha to students of Western philosophy. Christopher W. Gowans' style is exceptionally clear and appropriate for anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to this growing area of interest.