What the Buddha Taught

By: Walpola Sri Rahula

Narrated by: Taradasa

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Long regarded as one of the best introductions to Buddhism, What the Buddha Taught draws on the actual words spoken by the Buddha to give a lucid and accurate account of the fundamental principles of Buddhist doctrine. Richly supported by extracts from the ancient texts, Walpola Rahula gives clear and direct explanations of Buddhism's essential teachings including:

• the Buddhist attitude of mind
• the Four Noble Truths
• The Noble Eightfold Path
• meditation and mental development
• what the Buddha taught and the world today.

What the Buddha Taught also features an illustrative selection of texts from the Suttas and the Dhammapada. The Venerable Dr Walpola Sri Rahula was a Buddhist monk and scholar. He received a traditional training and education in his native Sri Lanka before studying at the University of Calcutta and the Sorbonne. He held a chair at Northwestern University, Illinois, and was Vice-Chancellor of Vidyodaya University, Colombo. He was widely regarded as one of the most qualified and enlightened scholars of the Buddhist tradition with a deep knowledge of the original texts.

©1959 The Estate of Walpola Sri Rahula (P)2016 Dharma Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"By far the best introduction to Buddhism available." (Professor R. F. Gombrich, Boden Professor of Sanskrit, University of Oxford)

Very confusing

Not for a beginner to Buddhism because there is lots of repetition and weird talk in my opinion

Soul Balancing

I personally loved it and could not stop listening. I would recommend this book to friend or unmet friend alike.

Enlightening

Best Book on Budhas teaching I have read complete and clear gives you a full understanding

Broken up audible

Very frustrating to listen to, the addable is very broken up. Otherwise it would be good.

Amazing

The narrator is amazing gives much details on Buddhas teachings and with such emotion

Fantastic experience.

I had seen this book recommended on various forums but struggle to find time for reading. As I drive a lot the audio version fits perfectly.

Very well read by the narrator and a pleasure to listen too. I would recommend it to others looking for an introduction into Buddhism.

nteresting teachings, a bit repetitive,

The information presented as a near quote from the Buddha was good to hear.

Essential for anyone interested in Buddhism

I read this book several years ago and it was so pleasurable to hear it read aloud by such a wonderful narrator. This book is essential for anyone who wishes to learn about the Buddha's teachings. Beautiful recording! Excellent narration.

best treatment of buddhism I've found

to anyone wanting ro explore buddhism, I haven't found a better place to start. I've both read the book and now listened through audible. the audible version is very good.

A DAM GOOD REVIEW OF ZAZEN ( Buddhism )

Without a doubt one of the best overviews of Buddhist Doctrine & Practice… Honestly, I had forgotten just how exceptional this book is! For I had owned a copy of the authors work 40, or so years ago! I had passed it on to someone else… No regrets… I can earnestly say that the audio version of this book is a truly precious… I liked everything about it! It is well constructed, each chapter clarifying, and building understanding!
The Narrator is in my opinion-Dead On the Mark! Clear, and easy to listen to! I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding what Buddhism IS, and ISN’T! Easy enough for a High School Student to understand, and deep enough to challenge those of different beliefs to be more open minded!
Best Wishes, and Good Will on Your Journey of Discovery!