The Essence of Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment

by Ryuho Okawa

The Essence of Buddha offers a contemporary interpretation of the way to enlightenment in simple and easy words, written by a highly revered Japanese spiritual leader, Ryuho Okawa. The fundamental tenets of the Buddhist understanding of life, such as the Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas and the Laws of Causality are clearly explained in modern and accessible terms, along with the need for self-reflection, the nature of karma, the truth of reincarnation, and other teachings of the Buddha. The path towards enlightenment is an expansion of consciousness, moving from material concerns to an increased awareness of the unseen spiritual reality. This book will be a concise guidebook for beginners to adepts as a path to happiness through self-growth and contributing towards a better world.

The Journey to Enlightenment
The Eightfold Path
The Six Paramitas
The Concept of the Void
The Laws of Causality
The Philosophy of Human Perfection

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2016

About the author

Ryuho Okawa is a renowned spiritual thinker, leader, and author in Japan with a simple goal: to help people find true happiness and create a better world. To date, Okawa’s books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 31 languages. His books address vital issues such as how our thoughts influence reality, the nature of love, and the path to enlightenment. In 1986, Okawa founded Happy Science as a spiritual movement dedicated to bringing greater happiness to humankind by uniting religions and cultures to live in harmony. Happy Science has grown rapidly from its beginnings in Japan to a worldwide organization. The spiritual workshops Happy Science offers are open to people of all faiths and walks of life and are rooted in the same simple principles of happiness that inspired Okawa’s own spiritual awakening. Okawa is compassionately committed to the spiritual growth of others; in addition to writing and publishing books, he continues to give talks around the world.

Reviews

[Drew Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my search for more information on Buddha and Buddhism, I came across another book which looked promising. As I scanned the table of contents, there was a biography section about Buddha and following sections about the key principles of this philosophy/religion. For some Buddhism is a religion, but I think of it more as a spiritual philosophy. That’s what I want to be for me. I wanted Ryuho Owaka’s 2016 revised edition of his 2002 book, The Essence of Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment, to be good and educate me. The book isn’t good, but educated though not as much as I expected. I finished it, but this book is a below average read...

To read the rest of this review go to https://drewmartinwrites.wordpress.co...

[Darci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this book gives a very good idea of the Buddhist religion and what Buddha thought. This is the first Buddhist book that I have read and I have never had a religion before. But, I have had these view points that were expressed in the book my whole life. After reading this, I would like to read further into it and into Buddha's life. The book is about 102 pages and is very concise. The first chapter was all about Buddha's life and what he went through on his path to enlightenment. Chapter 2 goes into the Eightfold Path which is about doing things "rightly". It also includes about a page of each of description. Chapter 3 is about the Six Paramitas which are rather similar to the Eightfold Path. Chapter 4 goes into the idea of the Void which is all about after life (such as reincarnation). Chapter 5 is about the laws of cause and effect along with their vision of karma and destiny. I prefered this chapter the most because it gave me an insight on what they thought about the concepts of heaven and hell. The last chapter was kind of a recap of what enlightenment is and the behavior of the different dimensions past our third.

This is a wonderful, easy book to read for beginners that are looking into this faith.

[Jaimie Terada]

The best Book about the life of Buddha

[Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My partner brought this home from the library following our encounter with Natalie Goldberg's lovely book on becoming a Buddhist, Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America, that had rekindled our interest in Buddhism, after many years of indifference to it for both of us. (Her father was a Buddhist monk). Nice, I thought, a short book on the life of Buddha and so I jumped into it.

I hadn't looked at Buddha and Buddhism in a long time and I was very pleased with what I was reading. A short concise description of his early life, near death, recovery with the aid of a humble farm girl and community in clear no frills language. And I learned a lot. For example:

Gautama first took the beautiful Gopa as a wife, then he married the exalted and aristocratic Yashodhara as his 'first lady.' She later withdrew from the world to become a nun following the path of her son Rahula, Gautama's only heir who had become a monk.

Talking with his wives, Gautama could not help wondering why women were unromantic and liked to gossip so much. He became very tired of the jealously and possessiveness they exhibited. In this sort of environment, it was extremely difficult for him to practice meditation or enjoy philosophical contemplation. Gradually, he developed a craving to be alone (p5).

I didn't know Buddha, following the aristocratic customs of the day, was polygamous. That was absolutely not the image I have in my mind of the prince who discovered death and suffering despite his parents' efforts to keep him innocent and effectively living in a dream instead of life.

However, as the book proceeded into the teachings of the eightfold path I became less satisfied with what I was reading. I struggled with what that dissatisfaction was. The writing was the same, as far as I could tell, clear and to the point. On Buddha's principle Right Speech, Okawa wrote:

Words can be a very good indicator of the character of the person who utters them, so examining the kind of words you have used during the day is a very clear and useful checkpoint for self-reflection. When you practice the discipline of Right Speech, you need to remember exactly what you said during the day. When you say something, it is usually in the presence of someone else, so remember who you came in contact with and check what you said to those you met.
...
Fine-tuning the words you speak is a really important discipline. You have to speak good words, right words that are in accordance with the will of Buddha. As you continue the discipline, fine-tuning the words that come out of your mouth, you will be led to deeper levels of self-reflection, that is to say, reflection on what you think, which is where words originate. To explain Right Speech in a more practical manner, you need to speak truthfully, and refrain from speaking ill of others, telling lies, flattering, or saying something that plants a seed of doubt between friends (p26 my emphasis).

I "have to speak good words", "I need to speak" words in accordance with Buddha? Hmmmm. I likely haven't for most of my life, and so this is experientially not true.

I found myself reflecting on why Okawa's restatement of an ethical practice that is largely self-evident, even if it is not practiced as much as might be good for all of us. It struck me how much it aligns with the Yamas, the first of the eight fundamental limbs of yoga which have become a big part of my day-to-day yoga practice, that among other restraints specify the importance of truth and non-violence in speech, thought and action.

And yet Okawa's words weren't sitting well. Why not?

Somehow the clear language describing the life of Buddha so effectively had begun to slide into a style that feels to me to be pedantic and alienating. I had begun to feel like I was being schooled by a teacher who knows the truth and is not open to exploration, discussion or curiosity. And even as I write that, I smile at myself because Okawa's elaboration of the eight-fold path is clear and worth reading, even if a little too teacherly.

The alienating tone I felt, which is relatively soft here, gets stronger as the book continues. Here is a man who knows the truth and tells us both it and that he knows it in no uncertain terms:

in my book The Laws of Eternity, I have clarified the structure of the Real World 99not the physical world we experience in day-to-day living88, but some two thousand five hundred years ago Shakyamuni had the same knowledge, although his understanding was limited to the framework of the prevailing thoughts in ancient India. If I were to point to any lack in his perception, it would be that in astral travel to the Real World, he could only contact those who belonged to Indian territory because his view of the world did not extend beyond India. It was very difficult for him to contact those inhabiting other areas of the spirit world. ... However, it was true that his actual experiences of the Real World through astral travel helped him a great deal when he taught on the meaning of life and death, the purpose of human life, and reincarnation. His discovery of the Real World contributed an additional height, depth and authenticity to his thoughts.

Shakyamuni's experience of the Real World was similar to my own, in that I contacted a variety of spirits and then published their messages. I believe that the publication of my books of spiritual messages has helped people to accept the existence of the Real World that many high spirits inhabit, and has laid the foundations for the publication of my books on the Laws of Buddha's Truth.

Religion after all is nothing other than the science of the Real World. Any spiritual teaching that does not have the backing of the Real World should be called a philosophy. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the difference between philosophy and religion is the commitment on the part of religion to explore the Real World in a scientific manner (p58).

As the text continues, Okawa makes sure he presents himself as pretty close to all-knowing. From Chapter Five, 'The Law of Causality':

Currently the population of the spirit world is estimated to be slightly higher than fifty billion. Of these souls a very limited number are born into one particular place and into a particular era, to create a civilization specific to the region or nation and to develop relationships with one another. Consequently, you can assume that those people you encounter, who have been born into the same era in the same place as you, are part of a very specific group of spirits. In fact, if you could see the past lives of those around you, you would find that you had had relationships in the past.
...
Success and failure in life have a lot to do with human relationships, which are in effect a chain of invisible bonds. Depending on your relationships with others, your business may succeed or fail, you may get a promotion or you may not. The Buddhist concept of the invisible bond that exists between people can be explained as a theory of human relationships. It is also a form of research into love, from a new angle(p69-70).

An aside: My partner, who is Japanese, was unable to finish the book because she was put off by the condescending 'teacher talking tone' she felt in the writing. Paraphrased, she added, with a sad smile and expression of sympathy for Okawa, 'The poor man went to the University of Tokyo. That is Japan's top university, and most people who go there are trained to go there from almost infancy and have had their hearts drilled out of them long before they get there.' (This was also a funny synchronicity for her. At the time she borrowed this book she was reading Will Ferguson's encounter with a University of Tokyo professor of natural science and top expert on the Japanese monkeys. The professor was proposing that the southern monkeys had some kind of telepathy in order to explain the dissemination of tool use between monkeys on different islands. The local fisherman, with whom Ferguson talked, commented to Ferguson that the monkeys frequently swim between the small islands and in that way was their knowledge of tool usage spread. The professor wouldn't even talk to the local people about the monkeys because the professor was, paraphrased, from the University of Tokyo and everyone not an Alumnus wasn't worth talking to. Hokkaido Highway Blues: Hitchhiking Japan Ch8-9.)

The first third of this book is a clear and concise history of the Buddha's life and worth the read. The second third of the book is less satisfying, but still a good, clear and concise overview of Buddha's eightfold path. The last third of the book is less interesting or satisfying to me. It is filled with less concise language that elaborates Okawa's theories and understanding of the Buddhist/Buddha's spiritual realm as if he has the absolute truth.

Three stars.

[Andrea Hickman Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice counter balance to all the Christianity I've been imbibing. Christianity fascinates me because I live in a Judeo-Christian culture. Of course, other religions and other ways of seeing the world interest me too, but they often seem comparably unintelligible because I simply don't have the cultural background that enables proper understanding.

Will one book make the difference? No. But it will help. This book is a succinct, clear account of what it means to be Buddhist. Most importantly (from my perspective anyway) it includes practical ways to go about putting Buddhism into practice in your own life.

This book seems very simplistic to me. Perhaps that's because my knowledge of Buddhism is limited. I have the idea that Buddhism is complex and cannot (and shouldn't) be explained so easily. This may just be a result of the Judeo-Christian culture in which I live, which has extraordinarily complicated relationships between the various 'churches', all of whom interpret the underlying message in a slightly different way. On the other hand, I heartily approve simplifying both message and language. We seem to have a desire for complicated things and making things more complicated than they need to be. This is anything but.

On the strength of this, I think it's safe to say that Buddhism as a religion is not for me. Buddhism as a philosophy maybe. And what's the difference between the two? Religion is about faith, belief and worship. Philosophy is a way of living. The Buddhist ideal of a daily meditation practice and self-reflection appeals to my contemplative nature. The rest of it not so much.

[Gina Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lovely place to start for anyone that is interested in Buddha or learning about Buddhism. Easy to read and translated into contemporary language by world teacher and lecturer, Ryuho Okawa, you will learn about the early years and history of the man that would be known as The Buddha. The struggles and triumphs that eventually brought him to enlightenment.

After giving us a good background on the master, the author guides us through the Eightfold Path of dharma or "right action". This is an important and basic tenet of Buddhism and was explained in Buddha's first sermon after he obtained enlightenment.

The Six Paramitas (Perfections) are covered as well as the laws of karma (cause and effect), astral realms and entering of the Void ...the state of life after death and preparation for reincarnation and more.

This book is valuable as a guide to living consciously and fully. It doesn't attempt to convert you or "sell" you a certain dogma, instead it serves as a reminder that we are all connected deeply at Source.

This book is well suited for beginners and those new to Eastern Religion and Buddhism.

[Pablo Pereyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfeito! Foi um dos primeiros livros sérios sobre budismo que eu li, mudou minha vida. Li ele em um momento de mudança, e os ensinamentos desse livro me ajudaram a organizar minha própria vida (e assim a vida daqueles que me cercam), entender comportamentos dos outros e entender a mim mesmo.

[Paulinette Quirindongo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had learned more about Buddhism than I ever thought I would. This book helped me to have a better understanding about this ancient philosophy.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A read I needed

The Essence of Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment by Ryuho Okawa was exactly a read that I needed. I was looking for a book about Buddha's teachings, and I found this one. This book set a path toward enlightenment, with Budda's travels being explained and how he, himself, found it. I don't agree with all of his journeys and ideals of leaving everything, including family behind to achieve it. I did find the Eightfold path, Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. I was looking for something that can help me deal with physical and emotional pain, and though I am not Buddhist, I found that much of the information was extremely helpful. I know that his teachings have been around for centuries, and some still practice his teachings. It was the one thing I was looking for as I was trying to find something to keep faith and beliefs, without wanting something in return. This was my personal read, but I do recommend it to those, even if you're not interested in Buddha, you could be interested in some of the journey on the path to enlightenment. I just wanted my soul to feel better.

[Chakla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the concepts of Buddhism. Nice interpretation from the author. It gave me a few items to seek more knowledge on. If you want to gain a foundational concept of Buddhism, this is a great quick read to pick up. It started my thinking and reflection on a broader level as well as some of the scientific principles brought in made me start to translate to the practical application. Humility and diligence are the two concepts that I honed in on mostly in addition to the concept of putting positivity into the world returns as happiness.

[Alex P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how the book I read went over the basics of Buddhism. I’m trying to learn about the different world religions more in depth than what school teaches. So I had only a basic understanding. This helped me grow in my understanding of Buddhism. I also liked how in the later chapters it discussed more complicated topics. One thing that I thought was really interesting was that it compared concepts to other religions (mainly comparisons to what Christians believe). I also liked how it gave a complete overview. I recommend this book for people also looking to learn more about Buddhism.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is published by the Happy Science group, and in the "About the Author" section, he claims to be a messianic figure or God incarnate. This is outside the mainstream of Buddhism. So there's that.

That being said, it seems like a pretty okay introduction to Buddhism. Its accessible. Its easy to read. The chapters are short. Its red text is pleasant. I think (?) it kinda falls apart in the end when talking about the heavenly realms. But its okay. If someone wanted to learn more about Buddhism, I may point them elsewhere for more reliable / mainstream sources.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

A light intro to some ideas on enlightenment, it wasn't really 'the path to enlightenment' however!

Easy to read short chapters that introduce some of the concepts of the Buddha story and considerations for those thinking that they too want to become mini-buddhas. It's a long haul for the serious, taking several hundred/thousand years!

Mere mortals have nothing to loose by living a good honest life of kindness and compassion.

Peace x

[Michael Ousley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first half of the book was great. The author gave a straightforward account of historical context of Buddha, and the key tenants of Buddhism.

The second half, however, was almost unreadable, as it devolved into a discussion on the author’s half-baked ideas on why modern physics are wrong and his own cult-like organization.

[Kamal Vaghela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating

This is simplest and understanding form of essence of buddha.. However i need more details about Buddhism..
Must read one time those who are seeking to know about Buddhism..

Thank you Ryuho okawa..

[Alex Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, pretty much got a better understanding of the Buddhist teachings and practices. You’ll learn about the eightfold path and the truths. This book is great if you take the teachings from it and apply it to your everyday life. You’ll see a great change to your life.

[Brian Rothbart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introductory book on Buddha and Buddhism. There are some better books, but this is a good book to read if you what to learn more.

[Rosie Posie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction into understanding Buddhism and how Siddhartha came upon his beliefs and fundamental teachings.

[Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب يشرح تعاليم البوذية بلغة سلسة و سهلة ، ينصح بقرائته لمن يريد أخذ فكرة عامة عن البوذية دون الدخول في التفاصيل

[Taye Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid informative at first and then deep dives into culty contradictory nonsense the second half. Seems like they Control F'ed a book about Christianity and replaced the terms with Buddhist ones.

[Sessy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Constant self aggrandizement and religious propaganda disguised as “philosophy”. If I could give it zero stars I would.

[Patrick McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy read about the fundamental basics of Buddhism for anyone curious about understanding eastern culture.

[Daniel Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m enlightened.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have recently embarked on a journey into the realm of Shin Buddhism, and in my pursuit of knowledge, I stumbled upon "The Essence to Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment" by Ryuho Okawa. As someone seeking a more accessible understanding of Buddhism, I was hopeful that this book would provide the insights I had been yearning for. However, my search for comprehensive information online proved fruitless, and my geographical location in Central TX made it challenging to connect with local Shin Buddhist practices, which are primarily dominated by Japanese and Japanese-American members.

Nonetheless, I found solace and enrichment within the pages of this book, particularly as I delved into the teachings of the Eightfold Path and Parimitas. Additionally, the author's high-level overview of Shakyamuni's history offered valuable context. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I now feel equipped to explore further beyond the confines of this book, expanding my research and understanding of Buddhism.

Although the author's specific sect within Buddhism remains ambiguous, it became apparent to me that it may not align precisely with Jodo Shinshu, the tradition I sought to explore. This discrepancy, coupled with the numerous references to heaven, god, and devils, presented a challenge to my continued engagement with the text.

Nevertheless, "The Essence to Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment" proved to be a quick and accessible read, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking a high-level introduction to Buddhism, regardless of specific sect affiliations. Therefore, I would recommend this book to those who desire a broad understanding of Buddhism and are open to exploring various perspectives.

In terms of my personal rating scale, I would place this book within the ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ category. While it held moments of intrigue and intellectual stimulation, it lacked that extra spark to truly captivate me. Nonetheless, it served as a pleasant surprise, offering valuable insights along the way. Although it did not reach the pinnacle of a masterpiece that deeply resonated with me, it certainly provided a solid foundation for further exploration.

——My Rating Scale Non-Fiction——
⭐️: A muddled and disappointing attempt at exploring the subject.
⭐️ ⭐️: Had some interesting ideas, but failed to deliver on it’s potential.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️: Some interesting insights, but lacked a strong impact.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️: A thought-provoking / informative / valuable read
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️: An enlightening masterpiece of knowledge / inspiration.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to the tenets of Buddhism. I have admired the philosophy, sayings, and practices of Buddhism for several years and was pleased to find this easy to understand explanation of its beliefs. I appreciate that the author distinguishes between Buddhism as a religion and as a practice, noting that it is possible to embrace the practice of Buddhism to enhance your life without taking it on as a religion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and IRH Press for allowing me to read and review an e-ARC of this book.

[Kirsten Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really understandable introduction to Buddhism.

The introduction was really enlightening - and I appreciate that the author shows the differences between the religion and the practice.

Thank you NetGalley

[Helen M · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's rubbish; a mediocre re-hash of new-age material from other sources and only dimly related to the real teachings of the Buddha. Don't waste your money on this one.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great nuts and bolts understanding of Buddhist teaching, including the practice as well as the religious aspects of Buddhism. It will be a reference source for me in the future.

[George Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to the life and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, supplemented by the author’s personal experiences of the spirit world – highly absorbing.