Buddhessence

by Darryl Bailey

The Buddha spent a lifetime offering the same teaching in a number of different ways, so it is difficult to capture its subtleties from one vantage point. This book offers a variety of perspectives. Although the different approaches each have unique qualities, in their overlapping they reinforce each other and the main elements of the doctrine.

The first chapter explains the foundations of the teaching in general terms. The second offers an examination of the same basics from a deeper point of view. In the third chapter, the ideas are freely adapted to an older style similar to the Vedas or the Upanishads, which were the established religious doctrine of the Buddha’s time. The fourth chapter is a collection of scriptural quotations used in sections one and two, with a few additions. Alone, without commentary, these statements have a power that explains why they remain an important teaching to this day.

Leigh Brasington, author of Right Concentration, "This little book contains not only a brilliant summary of the heart of the Buddha's teachings and their implications, it's also one of the best books on anicca (impermanence) I've ever encountered."

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and essential delivery of the Buddha’s teachings. Also, how it parallels findings from psychology.