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The Essence of Buddhism
This book describes the basic principles of Buddhism. Much has been written about Buddhism and how to practice it. Readers will have no difficulty finding hundreds of books on the topic. This book simply focuses on the essence of Buddhism, as expressed in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path.
Buddhism is not a religion as such; it does not propose an external God. It does not seek to replace a person’s existing religious beliefs, only to supplement them. The Buddha, in all likelihood, would rather his followers describe themselves simply as Followers of The Way.
Buddhism is not a religion as such; it does not propose an external God. It does not seek to replace a person’s existing religious beliefs, only to supplement them. The Buddha, in all likelihood, would rather his followers describe themselves simply as Followers of The Way.
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2010
578 people are currently reading
1183 people want to read
About the author
David Tuffley
130 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
July 20, 2016
Isn’t Buddhism such a marvellous belief system?
I’m finding myself drawn to it more and more as I get older. It is just full of so much wisdom and altruistic virtue. I truly believe in its principals. I wish I could live them fully. One day I’d like to be able to call myself a Buddhist.
The four noble truths are real.
The first is born of pragmatic realism: bad stuff happens in life. It’s unavoidable. There will always be those that stray from the path of virtue. The second point recognises that such suffering can be born within our own soul. Our feelings, our emotions, govern our reactions: if we expect too much, and if we become overly attached to something, then we will, ultimately, be let down by the results. We crave what we cannot have. Life never lives up to our esteems. At least very rarely. And it is such a mind-set that becomes dangerous to our own health. Expect nothing, that way one cannot be disappointed and one cannot cause their own suffering. Such a realisation can help usher in the third truth along with adapting the eight fold path.
And this is where the true altruism begins. We must adopt optimism in its most extreme form and share the experience with others. Right view is accepting the four noble truths, and living them. Right intention is trying to improve oneself and continually striving to be a better person through compassion. Right speech is being kind and truthful in every word. For me, this is one of the hardest aspects of the ethos. Sometimes people are deplorable. Sometimes people do need to be told how bad they are. But, for a Buddhist, love is the answer not hate. I’m hearing one of my favourite Lennon songs as I write this……..you may know the one…
Right action is the easiest for me to follow. Buddhism teaches us that we should cause no living thing to suffer whether human or otherwise. As a vegan, I think I can safely say that I avoid animal suffering in all forms. I’m not going into my personal ethics here, but, for me, Buddhism is very attractive in this regard. Right Livelihood is a harder path to walk. When I finish university, I will hopefully become an academic lecturer. I want to teach at university level. This is a job that would lead to little suffering- provided I become good at it! My current work practices, and that of many employment sectors, do conflict with the Buddhist belief system. But, for me, this will only be temporary.
Right effort is tangible to devotion. It requires strength of will to walk this path of purity, always. Right mindfulness is a tricky concept to grasp. It debunks any feeling or intuition you may develop regarding an encounter. Sometimes you meet someone and form a connection, but this may not be real. Your mind may have imagined it. The difficulty resides in deciding what is true, and what you have created in your mind. For me, this sounds impossible. This is something I will have to read into more. Right concentration is linked with meditation. One should meditate on the eightfold path and let it become a large part of their cognitive drive to consider themselves an adherer to this truth.
Happiness is a fickle thing because life is a fickle thing. Everything changes. Emotions change. People change. But a Buddhist has learnt that happiness comes from within. It is a mental state; thus, the mind can regulate it: It is a path of wisdom, one that I’d like to walk fully one day.
But, for now, I think I’ll go and read some more comprehensive guides on this. Can anyone recommend any?
I’m finding myself drawn to it more and more as I get older. It is just full of so much wisdom and altruistic virtue. I truly believe in its principals. I wish I could live them fully. One day I’d like to be able to call myself a Buddhist.
The four noble truths are real.
The first is born of pragmatic realism: bad stuff happens in life. It’s unavoidable. There will always be those that stray from the path of virtue. The second point recognises that such suffering can be born within our own soul. Our feelings, our emotions, govern our reactions: if we expect too much, and if we become overly attached to something, then we will, ultimately, be let down by the results. We crave what we cannot have. Life never lives up to our esteems. At least very rarely. And it is such a mind-set that becomes dangerous to our own health. Expect nothing, that way one cannot be disappointed and one cannot cause their own suffering. Such a realisation can help usher in the third truth along with adapting the eight fold path.
And this is where the true altruism begins. We must adopt optimism in its most extreme form and share the experience with others. Right view is accepting the four noble truths, and living them. Right intention is trying to improve oneself and continually striving to be a better person through compassion. Right speech is being kind and truthful in every word. For me, this is one of the hardest aspects of the ethos. Sometimes people are deplorable. Sometimes people do need to be told how bad they are. But, for a Buddhist, love is the answer not hate. I’m hearing one of my favourite Lennon songs as I write this……..you may know the one…
Right action is the easiest for me to follow. Buddhism teaches us that we should cause no living thing to suffer whether human or otherwise. As a vegan, I think I can safely say that I avoid animal suffering in all forms. I’m not going into my personal ethics here, but, for me, Buddhism is very attractive in this regard. Right Livelihood is a harder path to walk. When I finish university, I will hopefully become an academic lecturer. I want to teach at university level. This is a job that would lead to little suffering- provided I become good at it! My current work practices, and that of many employment sectors, do conflict with the Buddhist belief system. But, for me, this will only be temporary.
Right effort is tangible to devotion. It requires strength of will to walk this path of purity, always. Right mindfulness is a tricky concept to grasp. It debunks any feeling or intuition you may develop regarding an encounter. Sometimes you meet someone and form a connection, but this may not be real. Your mind may have imagined it. The difficulty resides in deciding what is true, and what you have created in your mind. For me, this sounds impossible. This is something I will have to read into more. Right concentration is linked with meditation. One should meditate on the eightfold path and let it become a large part of their cognitive drive to consider themselves an adherer to this truth.
Happiness is a fickle thing because life is a fickle thing. Everything changes. Emotions change. People change. But a Buddhist has learnt that happiness comes from within. It is a mental state; thus, the mind can regulate it: It is a path of wisdom, one that I’d like to walk fully one day.
But, for now, I think I’ll go and read some more comprehensive guides on this. Can anyone recommend any?
August 25, 2018
In relation to the First Noble Truth
"The enlightened person", how unusual around here.
I have many problems with the Eightfold Path, but I am enjoying the benefits of meditation, awareness without mental chatter in the land of the impermanent.
Aug 19, 18
The enlightened person fully accepts the reality of impermanence and unavoidability of suffering so that when it occurs they do not increase the suffering through their resistance to it.
Acceptance should not be interpreted as enjoyment in a masochistic sense. The enlightened person can take immediate action to end suffering, but while it lasts, they accept the reality of it and simply allow it to be, knowing that it will pass.
"The enlightened person", how unusual around here.
I have many problems with the Eightfold Path, but I am enjoying the benefits of meditation, awareness without mental chatter in the land of the impermanent.
Aug 19, 18
September 27, 2017
Short insight into the practices of Buddhism
This was a perfect introduction (very short) to get familiar with the core practices of Buddhism and it’s benefits for anybody curious. More specifically, it familiarizes us with the four noble truths and the eight-fold path: the beginning of a journey towards a happier, healthier and enlightened self.
This was a perfect introduction (very short) to get familiar with the core practices of Buddhism and it’s benefits for anybody curious. More specifically, it familiarizes us with the four noble truths and the eight-fold path: the beginning of a journey towards a happier, healthier and enlightened self.
December 13, 2014
It's a nice "starter kit" to understand buddhism.
September 2, 2018
A good start
The book is a good way to approach Buddhism in a fairly accessible manner. It depics the Buddhist principles so that anybody will be able to understand. I happily recommend it to anyone willing to get an overview of Buddhism.
Este libro brinda un paneo general de lo que es el budismo y como practicar sus enseñanzas. Esta redactado de una manera sencilla que facilita el entendimiento de los conceptos fácilmente. Si se busca iniciar en el budismo o conocer sobre esta filosofía, recomiendo sin dudar este pequeño y sencillo libro. Si el ser que esté leyendo este tomo ya ha incursionado antes, el libro puede ayudar a entender mejor alguna de las ideas y prácticas asi como refrescar la memoria.
The book is a good way to approach Buddhism in a fairly accessible manner. It depics the Buddhist principles so that anybody will be able to understand. I happily recommend it to anyone willing to get an overview of Buddhism.
Este libro brinda un paneo general de lo que es el budismo y como practicar sus enseñanzas. Esta redactado de una manera sencilla que facilita el entendimiento de los conceptos fácilmente. Si se busca iniciar en el budismo o conocer sobre esta filosofía, recomiendo sin dudar este pequeño y sencillo libro. Si el ser que esté leyendo este tomo ya ha incursionado antes, el libro puede ayudar a entender mejor alguna de las ideas y prácticas asi como refrescar la memoria.
September 21, 2024
As concise an introduction as I’ve come across. Having my cake and eating it too (knowing the feeling it arouses is impermanent… allegedly.)
February 26, 2021
An interesting, well-written and concise glimpse at the principles and cornerstones of Buddhism.
June 30, 2023
Good introduction to buddhism. It clearly explains the main ideas. Short and clear.
April 29, 2020
Short simple and informative. The essence of Buddhism by David Tuffley is an excellent introductory book to gain knowledge about Buddhism.The book describes the basic principles of the religion, concepts of meditation and briefly explains the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. This is what the Buddha first talked about, after gaining enlightenment – this is what makes it the essence. If you are a spiritual person you will surely like it, if not then also you can try this just to gather some information and knowledge.
August 24, 2020
In these trying times
More than anything recently we need mental clarity to our days of having to sift through mountains of information coming from all sides. There's political info, virus info, financial info, personal info, and all the while a restlessness that we can not quite identify. The meditative exercises of Essence of Buddism alone are worth reading this short concise little book. Well written and easy to understand. Give yourself permission to take a break and find some peace.
More than anything recently we need mental clarity to our days of having to sift through mountains of information coming from all sides. There's political info, virus info, financial info, personal info, and all the while a restlessness that we can not quite identify. The meditative exercises of Essence of Buddism alone are worth reading this short concise little book. Well written and easy to understand. Give yourself permission to take a break and find some peace.
July 28, 2018
Great for absolute beginners
If you've had no experience with the principal's of Buddhism and meditation, this is a great book to start with. It gives a direct, straight to the point approach to Buddhism. However, I recommend that one spends a great deal of time studying and applying the principles before making a judgement of them. These concepts often take years to fully understand and master. But I certainly recommend this book as a place to start.
If you've had no experience with the principal's of Buddhism and meditation, this is a great book to start with. It gives a direct, straight to the point approach to Buddhism. However, I recommend that one spends a great deal of time studying and applying the principles before making a judgement of them. These concepts often take years to fully understand and master. But I certainly recommend this book as a place to start.
May 1, 2022
A basis or reminder.
As a person who spent years actively involved in a Buddhist temple from meditation to cooking duties, I found this little book to be a good reminder of why we should keep a mindful existence. For those entering into the Buddhist philosophy for the fist time, you'll find this book invaluable for explaining why the 8 fold path has all the answers to personal and humanities sufferings and how easily they can be resolved.
As a person who spent years actively involved in a Buddhist temple from meditation to cooking duties, I found this little book to be a good reminder of why we should keep a mindful existence. For those entering into the Buddhist philosophy for the fist time, you'll find this book invaluable for explaining why the 8 fold path has all the answers to personal and humanities sufferings and how easily they can be resolved.
June 9, 2017
This is a very quick read. Is a very good simple overview of the Buddhist philosophy. It was recommended by one of my friends who was with us in Italy. I am going to send him Buddhist Boot Camp as this book describes how you can apply Buddhist philosophy to your every day life without having to become a Monk. I read it over and over again to remind myself of Buddhist wisdom.
May 3, 2023
If you want a succinct, no-nonsense introduction to the concepts of Buddhist practice, then this very short book is for you. Covering the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path with remarkable efficiency, with almost nothing about the legends and history of Buddhism, this little guide might be all you need to start out.
June 29, 2017
Simple and perfect
I really enjoyed this easy read. It's a great intro for anyone with even the slightest interest in Buddhism. It rejuvenated my curiosity of Buddhism and prompted me to delve a little deeper into Buddhists studies.
I really enjoyed this easy read. It's a great intro for anyone with even the slightest interest in Buddhism. It rejuvenated my curiosity of Buddhism and prompted me to delve a little deeper into Buddhists studies.
July 14, 2017
Amazing Starter
This book teaches an easy way to meditate and easily explains the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. I would recommend this book to whoever would like to learn what Buddhism generally is.
This book teaches an easy way to meditate and easily explains the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. I would recommend this book to whoever would like to learn what Buddhism generally is.
October 3, 2017
Good read
Very simple - straight-forwarded and informative. I enjoyed it as a basic introduction and appreciated that it ended with a meditation overview as a way to move me forward.
Very simple - straight-forwarded and informative. I enjoyed it as a basic introduction and appreciated that it ended with a meditation overview as a way to move me forward.
January 8, 2018
Informative
This was a great starting point. Nice and informative. Clear and precise. Contains all the knowledge necessary to begin your journey. Even has a nice meditation tutorial in the end.
This was a great starting point. Nice and informative. Clear and precise. Contains all the knowledge necessary to begin your journey. Even has a nice meditation tutorial in the end.
January 17, 2018
Truly the essence
Excellent summary/essence describing the basic tenets of Buddhism. Written in clear understandable English. Every thing you need to start you on your journey to a greater understanding of Buddhism and living a more peaceful and comforting life.
Excellent summary/essence describing the basic tenets of Buddhism. Written in clear understandable English. Every thing you need to start you on your journey to a greater understanding of Buddhism and living a more peaceful and comforting life.
July 25, 2018
Well written and easy to assimilate
Short. Clear. Concise. A well written, easy to assimilate brief introduction to the main tenets of Buddhism and a simple strategy for developing meditation skills.
Short. Clear. Concise. A well written, easy to assimilate brief introduction to the main tenets of Buddhism and a simple strategy for developing meditation skills.
June 18, 2019
Ease your mind. Ease your life.
Our western ways always benefit from eastern religion and philosophy. If we as humans can draw on the spirit and the supernatural, we can achieve a more balance life (where love lives).
Our western ways always benefit from eastern religion and philosophy. If we as humans can draw on the spirit and the supernatural, we can achieve a more balance life (where love lives).
September 15, 2019
Truly is the essence of buddhism.
Of you are just beginning your journey into this aspect of spiritualitythis is an excellent place to start, It is written in easy - to-understand language & concepts. Absolutely wonderful...
Of you are just beginning your journey into this aspect of spiritualitythis is an excellent place to start, It is written in easy - to-understand language & concepts. Absolutely wonderful...
April 25, 2020
Very good insight
I am currently in the search for good practices that can help me to be a better parent, a better man, more balances between work, sport,family and of course to keep on learning the essence of life and this book give me just the perfect start.
Thanks
I am currently in the search for good practices that can help me to be a better parent, a better man, more balances between work, sport,family and of course to keep on learning the essence of life and this book give me just the perfect start.
Thanks
June 15, 2020
Good and easy to understand good food for thought
I have just started reading about Buddhism but this took concepts that can be hard to digest and
breaks them down to more easily wrap your head around. A good place to start quick read.
I have just started reading about Buddhism but this took concepts that can be hard to digest and
breaks them down to more easily wrap your head around. A good place to start quick read.
May 9, 2021
Excellent introduction to Buddhism
This is a clear, concise but well-written introduction to the main concepts of classical Buddhism. I especially enjoyed the meditation tutorial at the end. Great reference.
This is a clear, concise but well-written introduction to the main concepts of classical Buddhism. I especially enjoyed the meditation tutorial at the end. Great reference.
Read
May 28, 2021Right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration are the eight fold path to achieve or bring an end to Psychological suffering.
July 23, 2021
Lucid n warmth
Very lucid.Explains an ism in simple words.Its relentless downpour outside but the warmth the book emanated is really magnanimous.Anybody n everybody can read n follow.
Very lucid.Explains an ism in simple words.Its relentless downpour outside but the warmth the book emanated is really magnanimous.Anybody n everybody can read n follow.
September 26, 2022
Too Many Typos
This very small book was supposedly written by a Professor. One would imagine a Professor would take better care in editing or, at least, ask others to help in editing. Just sloppy.
This very small book was supposedly written by a Professor. One would imagine a Professor would take better care in editing or, at least, ask others to help in editing. Just sloppy.
March 1, 2023
Enlightenment for beginner!
I fell in love with all the descriptions of how to live your life so you may enjoy it and learn how to adjust to all life throws at you. I would definitely recommend to all.
I fell in love with all the descriptions of how to live your life so you may enjoy it and learn how to adjust to all life throws at you. I would definitely recommend to all.
December 29, 2024
There’s something about this book that really delivers the message perfectly. I practice through several different personal and group avenues, but I read this book once a year to bring me back to basics and a clarity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews