Summary of What the Buddha Taught by WALPOLA RAHULA

“What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula offers a clear and concise explanation of the Buddha’s core teachings. Written by a renowned Sri Lankan scholar monk, this classic introduction to Theravada Buddhism is aimed at both newcomers and those seeking a deeper understanding of its fundamental principles. By focusing on the original teachings of the Buddha, and stripping away later interpretations and cultural additions, Rahula presents a pure and accessible account of the path to enlightenment.

The book is perfect for anyone curious about Buddhism, its origins, and its practical application in daily life. Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or just beginning to explore different philosophies, this book provides a solid foundation for understanding the essence of the Buddha’s message.

Key Concepts

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths, the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, are not pessimistic pronouncements about the misery of existence, as they are sometimes misconstrued. Instead, they offer a realistic diagnosis of the human condition and a path towards liberation. Rahula explains them as a doctor might explain an illness: identifying the problem, its cause, the possibility of a cure, and the method of treatment.

Imagine a person experiencing chronic back pain. The first noble truth is acknowledging the pain exists – this is Dukkha (Suffering). From physical pain and emotional distress to the subtle dissatisfaction of impermanence, suffering is a universal experience. As Rahula quotes from the Buddha’s first sermon, “Birth is suffering, decay is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering… not to get what one desires is suffering.” This truth isn’t about wallowing in despair but recognizing suffering as a starting point for transformation.

The second noble truth, Samudaya (The Origin of Suffering), identifies the cause of the back pain – perhaps poor posture or a slipped disc. Similarly, Buddhist philosophy identifies craving, attachment, and ignorance as the root of suffering. This craving isn’t limited to material possessions but extends to desires for sensual pleasures, continued existence, and even non-existence. Rahula illustrates this with the example from the text of a person who becomes wealthy but remains unsatisfied, constantly craving more wealth and status, leading to perpetual anxiety and dissatisfaction.

The third noble truth, Nirodha (The Cessation of Suffering), assures the sufferer that their back pain can be treated and cured. Similarly, Buddhism asserts that suffering can cease entirely. This cessation, known as Nirvana, isn’t an annihilation of being, but rather the extinguishing of craving and the accompanying cycle of suffering. Rahula describes Nirvana as a state of perfect peace, liberation, and freedom from the limitations of the conditioned world. Just as relieving the pressure on a pinched nerve can alleviate back pain, addressing the root causes of suffering can lead to its cessation.

Finally, the fourth noble truth, Magga (The Path to the Cessation of Suffering), provides the treatment plan for the back pain – physical therapy, medication, or surgery. In Buddhism, the treatment is the Noble Eightfold Path. This path isn’t a sequential set of steps but an interconnected framework for cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. Like a holistic treatment plan, each aspect of the path supports the others in achieving overall well-being.

The Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path provides a practical guide for living a life free from suffering. Rahula emphasizes that this path is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life requiring consistent effort and mindful awareness. Imagine it as a recipe for a fulfilling life, where each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor.

The path is divided into three sections: Wisdom (Prajna), Ethical Conduct (Sila), and Mental Discipline (Samadhi). Wisdom, like the chef’s understanding of flavors, starts with Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi): understanding the Four Noble Truths and the impermanent, interconnected nature of reality. This is followed by Right Thought (Samma Sankappa): cultivating thoughts of loving-kindness, compassion, and non-violence, like choosing the freshest ingredients for the dish.

Ethical Conduct, like the chef’s skillful preparation of the ingredients, involves Right Speech (Samma Vaca): speaking truthfully and kindly, avoiding gossip or harsh language. It also includes Right Action (Samma Kammanta): acting ethically, refraining from harming others, stealing, or engaging in destructive behaviors, like using proper knife techniques. Finally, Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva) means earning a living ethically, without harming others or contributing to suffering, like sourcing ingredients responsibly.

Mental Discipline, like the chef’s focused attention during cooking, begins with Right Effort (Samma Vayama): actively cultivating positive mental states and letting go of negative ones. Rahula gives the example of a monk who, when faced with anger, consciously cultivates thoughts of loving-kindness, like a skilled chef adjusting seasoning to balance flavors. Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati) involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise. Finally, Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi) is developing focused attention through meditation, leading to deeper states of tranquility and insight.

Karma and Rebirth

Rahula clarifies the Buddhist concept of karma, emphasizing that it’s not a fatalistic system of preordained destiny. Karma, meaning “action,” refers to the principle of cause and effect. Our actions, thoughts, and words create karmic imprints that shape our future experiences. He uses the example from the text of a person who habitually speaks harshly to others, creating an atmosphere of hostility that leads to future conflicts and unhappiness. Rebirth, then, is not the transmigration of a soul but the continuation of this karmic process, where the energy of our actions continues to unfold in future lives.

Conclusion

“What the Buddha Taught” provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the core principles of Buddhism. Rahula’s clear and concise language, combined with his deep understanding of the subject, makes this book an invaluable resource. He emphasizes that Buddhism isn’t a dogma to be blindly followed but a path of self-discovery and liberation through understanding and practice. The book’s enduring popularity speaks to its relevance in the modern world, offering practical guidance for navigating life’s complexities and cultivating inner peace.

Recommended Books

Similar Topics:

• “The Noble Eightfold Path” by Bhikkhu Bodhi: A detailed exploration of each aspect of the path, providing deeper insights into the practical application of Buddhist principles introduced in Rahula’s work.
• “Buddhism Without Beliefs” by Stephen Batchelor: Offers a secular approach to Buddhist practice, complementing Rahula’s traditional presentation with a modern perspective.
• “Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions” by the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron: Expands on Rahula’s Theravada perspective by exploring how Buddhist principles are understood across different traditions.

Other Interesting Reads:

• "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl : This profound exploration of finding purpose in suffering resonates with Buddhist teachings on the nature of suffering and liberation, making it relevant for readers interested in different approaches to human suffering.
• "The Book of Joy" by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu : While not strictly Buddhist, this dialogue between two spiritual leaders offers practical wisdom on finding happiness that complements Buddhist teachings, appealing to readers interested in interfaith perspectives on well-being.