Teachings of the Buddha

by Jack Kornfield (Editor)

This treasury of essential Buddhist writings draws from the most popular Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese sources. Among the selections are some of the earliest recorded sayings of the Buddha on the practice of freedom, passages from later Indian scriptures on the perfection of wisdom, verses from Tibetan masters on the enlightened mind, and songs in praise of meditation by Zen teachers. The book also includes traditional instruction on how to practice sitting meditation, cultivate calm awareness, and live with compassion. Jack Kornfield, one of the most respected American Buddhist teachers, has compiled these teachings to impart the essence and inspiration of Buddhism to readers of all spiritual traditions.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Meditation, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 1993

About the author

Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India and Burma. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. He began his training after graduating from Dartmouth College in Asian Studies in 1967. Then he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Public Health Service in northeast Thailand, which is home to several of the world’s oldest Buddhist forest monasteries. He met and studied under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma. After returning to the United States, Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. He is also a founding teacher of the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California, where he currently lives and teaches. Over the years, Jack has taught in centers and universities worldwide, led International Buddhist Teacher meetings with the Dalai Lama and worked with many of the great teachers of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is a husband, father and an activist.

His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies. They include, A Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, A Path with Heart; After the Ecstasy, the Laundry; Teachings of the Buddha; Seeking the Heart of Wisdom; Living Dharma; A Still Forest Pool; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart; Buddha’s Little Instruction Book; The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace, Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are, and his most recent book, No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a little book, but it's probably my favorite of the Buddha's teachings. I don't know if it's Kornfield's translations (which are beautiful) or the selections, but this is the book that sits on my nightstand, or next to my computer, or on my desk to work. It is the source I go to when I need a prayer, or a lesson, or something to share with a friend. Really a beautiful little book.

[James Scholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

good selection of teachings! wish there was some sort of explanation behind the meaning of some of them!

[Sophorn]

There is no fire like greed. No crime like hatred.
No sorrow like separation.
No sickness like hunger of heart, And no joy like the joy of freedom. Health and contentment, and trust are your greatest possessions, and freedom your greatest joy. Look within, Be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of living in the way.

[Miss Murder · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter where or how far you wander, the light is only a split second, a half-breath away, it is never too late to recognize the clear light."

I should add a Buddhist shelf to my profile at this point.

This book was so much more different than I was expecting in the best way possible. I bought this book with the expectation that it was going to glaze over the typical aspects of Buddhism that I am pretty thoroughly aware of.

I had no idea this was like a mini-Bible for Buddhist texts! I got the little pocket version (which makes my heart skip a beat because it's so cute) and it contains passages from sacred Buddhist texts and other works outlining parables, Buddha's teachings, and how to follow The Way.

Be aware, this is not a book you would necessarily read for enjoyment if you did not know much about Buddhism. If you have decent knowledge of the religion or are a subscriber to Buddhism, get ready to carry this around in your pocket at all times.

This will now serve as my starter for Buddhist meditation scriptures and parables, as so many of its original sacred texts are not translated into English yet. I am so happy I bought this book, it surprised me so much!!

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done by Jack Kornfield, I have the Shambala pocket version,
some hi-lights: "Live in Joy and love even among those who hate, Live in Joy and Health even among the afflicted : Meditate, Live Purely, do your work with mastery: like the moon emerging from the darkness, waken yourself, watch yourself and live Joyfully " The Dhammapadda

"These are the blessings supreme: to live in a suitable location, to be well-skilled in handicraft,
to be well caring of mother and father, to be diligent in learning, open handed and selfless giving towards all relatives, these are the blessings supreme....."

Truer words cannot have been spoken..may everyone everywhere be blessed....

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent selection of verses and short passages from the suttas and other Buddhist scriptures, anecdotes etc. Reading this over several times, would give one a nice feeling for what Buddhism is essentially aimed at, and the means for approaching the goals laid out in the path. The audiobook is also nice to meditate on, or contemplate.

[Lon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of sayings, parables, teachings, exhortations attributed to the Buddha. Some cryptic, some inscrutable, but Kornfield has obviously mined the scriptural canon well; each page either shines outrightly, or hints of some pearl to be sought with deeper digging.

A few favorites:

As in the ocean's midmost depth no wave is born, but all is still, so let the practitioners be still, be motionless, and nowhere should they swell.
_________

See yourself in others.
Then whom can you hurt?
What harm can you do?

For your brother is like you.
He wants to be happy.
Never harm him
And when you leave this life
You too will find happiness.
_____

In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate.
This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible.
You too shall pass away.
Knowing this, how can you quarrel?
____________

Thus shall ye think of all this fleeting world:
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream;
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream.
______

Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, or is the water broken. Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops on the grass, or even in one drop of water.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of excerpts and short writings conveying Buddhist teachings. The pieces range in length from about a stanza of verse to a few pages in length. Each lesson tells what book it comes from and who the translator was, which can be a nice feature if one will be comparing different translations.

Unlike Walpola Rahula’s similarly named “What the Buddha Taught,” which focuses entirely on what Gautama Buddha taught while he was living, this book includes many teachings from long after the life of the Buddha. Which is to say, this is more a book of Buddhist teachings than an elucidation of what the Buddha, himself, taught. [Not to offend, but religious teachings seem to inevitably shift and evolve over time, and so what is taught by various sects of Buddhism today is by no means a perfect reflection of what the Buddha, himself, taught.] That said, the writings toward the beginning of the book tend to be closer to the Buddha, himself – i.e. from the “Dhammapada” and other early Pali works. While the teachings toward the end of the book tend to be more from much later (e.g. from the Zen tradition.)

I found the book to be quite readable and to feature some intriguing food for thought. If you are interested in an English translation of Buddhist sutras, scriptures, koan, etc., this is a good work to check out.

[Relleasy Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

i gave this book to my beloved brother Trav. He is a Buddhist and he enjoyed it. the books talks a lot about patience and controlling your anger.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a decent collection of the Buddha's teachings from such various sources as the Dhammapada, the Nikayas, the Sutras, as well as snippets from Tibetan and Zen texts. Due to its broad scope, I wouldn't recommend this to someone looking for in-depth instruction on the teachings, but as something to keep on the coffee table and flip through whenever one could use a reminder of the benefits attained from living a life mindfulness and contemplation.

[Brian B Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book fast, not because it was boring but because it's not the type of book you read, it's one that you keep on the shelf and when the moment is right you read it again, and refer to it later for inspiration in life.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about the Buddha's teachings. This is a book everyone should have, regardless of beliefs.

[Chad Kohalyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book filled with a variety of famous passages from the various canon. Even I recognized some, with my slight reading in this area. It is full of nuggets and interesting perspectives.

The narrator was good, and it is an enjoyable listen. I will come back to it when I need a reminder, or to mine it for other learnings.

[Bruno Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for introduction to understanding Buddhism. Really enjoyed reading and re-reading several of its pages. It's not a book you just read but truly meditate, re-read and think over again. I do really recommend it.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable interpretation of Buddhist teachings from various sects and teachers of Buddhism from all over the world. Simply splendid.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

When love and hate are absent we can see clearly. A judgment is nothing more than the expression of a limited perspective. The more one talks and thinks about it, the further astray one wonders. There’s no need to search for truth; only one to cease cherishing opinions in all forms. Ideas of what’s right and wrong only carry us farther into the illusion. The faster we try to go, the more lost we become. Obey nature, one’s own nature, to walk freely and undisturbed.

What benefit can be derived from distinctions and separation? The wise man strives for no goals. There’s only one dharma; distinctions only arise from clinging and attachment. To seek the nature of the mind through its discriminating faculties leads only to further ignorance. Non-duality is only possible for the open, accepting and trusting mind. The realization of self is the realization of myriad things, because the notion of permanence is an illusion.

The unwavering mind is the most accurate projection of reality. Without movement on water, it can be seen through clearly and transparently, and the same works for the mind. Mind chancing and object is faulty contemplation. All prior antidotes for thoughts have been thought-replacements. Bliss is recognized through acknowledgment of ceaselessly flowing thoughts.

[Bryan Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a good little book filled with short, insightful anecdotes, koans, stories and lessons from various sources illuminating the core of the Buddha’s philosophy. I also recommend the audio version as it is narrated by the silky smooth voice of Edoardo Ballerini. A good book to just absorb in bits and pieces; no hurry required!

[kyky · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate.
This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible.
You too shall pass away.
Knowing this, how can you quarrel?"

[Claudiegh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. Or a compilation of quick reads. This book contains morsels of buddhist teachings from various sources. All cited (borh orginator and translator). There is even a section of practices one can use during meditation. I would like to reread it again someday

[Daniel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book,lots of wisdom from the Buddha and others!!

[Jim Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my first time through this book. Or my second. Couldn't say how many times I've read it, really. Sometimes some of it, sometimes all of it.

I've got a few books I use sort of like "devotionals." This is one of them. "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" is another. "Dhammapada" is another. I get to the end of one, put it on the shelf, take the next down. Cycles around again eventually.

This one is good. I practice more in the Zen tradition, so the Zen-friendly stuff in here appeals to me more than, say, the Tibetan stuff. The book is a mix, some of it I find very helpful, some of it makes me roll my eyes a little. But on the whole it's a worthwhile book, packed with lots of little bits and pieces.

[Sean Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched white lotus and wanted to read about Buddhism.

[muaad the poet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Sometimes it was complicated because no one can understand all the sayings of Buddha in one reading but you can understand most of it. To summarise and what I took:

• Buddha’s message is that the world is temporary. He explains this with parables and great stories like the children at the beach (a story I posted on my poetry page {muaadspoetry} on Instagram.

• He also discusses dualities. There’s no happiness without suffering and no suffering without happiness. The world is full of dualities, all things go together but one must free themselves from desire and attain the middle path.

• He also discusses how reality is in the mind. Everything is shaped there and it’s important to meditate and let the minds thoughts (chatterbox) empty itself. The mind will make itself go calm on its own. But by watching our thoughts, we can gain a significant amount of clarity because we realise we aren’t our thoughts. They aren’t powerful. They are just that, thoughts. We can watch them pass away.

• He also discusses society. Once we understand these truths we should be upstanding members of society. We shouldn’t be jealous or hateful. We should take care of those below us and respect those above us.

• He also discusses Zen and flowing. By trying to do something we are exhausting ourselves, by not trying we are also exhausting ourselves. By looking for the perfect solution we are deluding ourselves and by not looking we are not going to find enlightenment. The great wise person just flows in society. They are natural. They aren’t trying to be anything other than what they are, a human being.


That’s what I learnt from this book. There’s a lot of wisdom in this book and the world needs it because I see everyone around us today in a state of mental chaos. Everyone is being controlled by their mind or desires. We must learn to let these things pass, they are just thoughts and visions and things we want that always leave us frustrated. We should just try to be real human beings.


P.S I can’t say I know the full message of the Buddha but this book taught me a lot but the book requires patience. It took me a few months to finish it but it was totally worth it.

[Kiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A selection of Buddhist writing from around the world capturing voices from the various streams of Buddhist teaching, this collection is an interesting tour through its thought and practice. Living in and regularly visiting countries and cultures dominated by a Buddhist worldview I usually come away thinking I prefer it to secularism, because at least they acknowledge the role of the spiritual realm in forming a consistent ethical framework for society. Beyond that I remain distinctly theistic as I glean from Buddhist ideas. I respect the appeals to compassion, mindfulness, and the discipline of taking thoughts captive and not being ruled by them. However, I’m struck by the self interest in its paradigm, avoiding karmic debt, seeking nirvana to avoid suffering and to ultimately disengage from all worldly matters. For my part I find Christ’s engaging in suffering and taking on the debt of human sin to be more powerful, and freeing as one can then pursue both spiritual discipline and embrace human suffering, being both heavenly minded and of earthly good. I always have a good time and great conversations with my Buddhist friends, and my appeal to them is to look to a God-man with salvation, and not merely a guide-man with sayings. 4 hours or 240 pages of Zen, wisdom, and meditation.

[Dave Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really expected the Buddhas to be enlightening. Some of the parables were very good and the meditation guide was great but overall it was a rather big let down compared to something like the Tao Te Ching or The Art of Living : The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness Dec 01, 2011 Epictetus. The information was the same but it felt like the text carried far less weight. It also suffers from some of the main ideas of the text already having broken into mainstream thought which means it no longer packs the punch it once did. Giving it a 3/5 almost aligns perfectly with the books teachings, however not rating it at all is what the book would truly recommend. If you understand the concept of To Be and Virtue you already understand this book well.

[Matt Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Buddhist teachings and parables translated and read beautifully (on the audiobook). Some seem eerily wise (considering their age) and some are less convincing (birth and rebirth, the immortality of the 'soul', etc). But, granted, there is a blind-spot in modern science regarding the study of conciousness and qualia. Similarly, there is a (closing) gap in psychology on the topic of 'how to live well'. Nature abhors a vacuum and those spaces are often filled with utter crap - sometimes by charlatans and sometimes by well-intentioned attempted solutions.

I wonder if the wisdom in Buddhist teachings stem from the fact that the ideas were transmitted verbally for ~450 years before they were written down. This, coupled with the lack of insistence on immutability (present in other religions), allowed for the selection (and mutation) of the most useful memes. Whereas the rubbish ideas were forgotten.

[Wanderley Guimarães · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Escutei a versão audiobook desse livro)

Uma coleção de citações e histórias interessantes que podem servir como lições para aplicar na vida. Quantas vezes não me peguei pensando que eu era o único que estava sofrendo, que eu era o único com dificuldades e por aí vai. E para refletir sobre alguns destes "meus" sentimentos escutei a historia da mãe que perdeu o filho e seguindo o conselho do mestre bateu em todas as portas da cidade, escutando as angústias e sofrimentos que cada um tinha para compartilhar. Já escutei muitas vezes sobre pratica compaixão os outros, mas praticar compaixão com vocês mesmo é importante.

Eu não sou budista mas li esse livro motivado pela curiosidade do que representa a meditação além da visão científica que venho estudando.E isso não me fez aproveitar menos os ensinamentos.

[Linus · Rating 4 out of 5]

To straighten the crooked / You must do a harder thing - Straighten yourself. (65)

Much like the Dhammapada, this book contains words of truth. And not truth in our materialistic, scientific way. But truth to the heart and the soul. You can't logic your way through it, but can only open your heart to it. I know that in our modern world of lingo, jargon and language, it sounds strange sounding like I do, but truly, why mince words? Why waste the time? And why waste time in thinking about buying this, when you can just do it? if it does not suit you, then give it to someone who might receive help from it.

If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it? (159)

[Jenny Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection like this is really hard to pull off well—you’re pulling bits and fragments out of their original contexts, and placing them together in a new way, and then giving them to people who may have little to no background in anything the tradition draws upon conceptually or aesthetically and saying “here, try this.” But Kornfield’s years of hands on, in the field practice and study pay off here: the underlying current, whether it be drawn from Zen or Tibetan or classical Buddhism, is a world vision of compassionate clarity found in learning to live mindfully to the point past meditation.

[Michelle Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

People interested in learning about the basic principles and teachings of Buddhism should look no further than Teachings of the Buddha by Jack Kornfield. This revised edition of the classic text has representations from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese teachings. An updated section on the role of women in the early years of Buddhism provides a broader view of the religion.

In addition to the core teachings, instructional sections on meditation, creating a sense of calmness and living with compassion for all life creates a well rounded book for anyone seeking spiritual fulfillment.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars; serviceable overview, for more explanatory literature on Buddhism be sure to check out Thich Nhat Hanh; The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation and Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life and Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment.