What The Buddha Taught

What The Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula Thero is an excellent introduction to Buddhism. It offers a clear and accessible overview of Buddhist principles and philosophy. This compact and faithful account of the Buddha’s teachings is popular in colleges, universities, and theological schools worldwide. As Paul Demieville notes in the foreword, it presents Buddhism in a modern spirit. The Journal of the Buddhist Society states that newcomers to Buddhism have long needed a straightforward introduction. Dr. Rahula’s What the Buddha Taught addresses this need with expertise. The book is authoritative, clear, and logical, providing a comprehensive study for educated readers.

A classic introductory book to Buddhism, What the Buddha Taught, contains a selection of illustrative texts from the original Pali texts, including the Suttas and the Dhammapada (specially translated by the author), sixteen illustrations, and a bibliography, glossary, and index.