Buddhism Explained: An Introduction to the Teachings of Lord Buddha

The book opens with introductory materials explaining the purpose of the volume and the importance of Dhammadāna, the “gift of Truth,” as the highest form of giving. The preface emphasizes that Buddhism is not merely a set of beliefs, but a way of understanding mind and body through direct practice. The author frames Dhamma as something to be discovered in oneself rather than accepted blindly. Part I: What do Buddhists Believe? presents the doctrinal foundation of Buddhism. It begins with the meaning of Dhamma, the Triple Gem, and the role of faith joined with wisdom. It then offers a narrative account of the life of Gotama Buddha, from birth, renunciation, meditation, awakening, first sermon, teaching career, and final Nirvana. The discussion of refuge in the Buddha and Dhamma introduces the Buddha not as a god, but as the supreme teacher who rediscovered the path to liberation. The doctrinal core of this part explains dukkha, kamma, rebirth, realms of existence, the three roots of evil, the inversions, the three marks of existence, merit-making, perfections, and the Middle Path. The focus is to show that Buddhist belief is not dogmatic, but grounded in experience, ethical causality, and the practical transformation of the mind. Part II: What do Buddhists Practise? explains the practical dimension of Buddhism. It presents the Saṅgha as the living community that preserves and transmits the Dhamma, while clarifying the relationship between monks, nuns, and lay followers. The section then develops the threefold training of virtue, collectedness, and wisdom. It discusses monastic discipline, lay precepts, giving, renunciation, meditation, mindfulness, divine abidings, patience, energy, and the dangers of mind-training. This part highlights that practice is the operational core of Buddhism: belief must mature into moral discipline, mental cultivation, and direct insight. Part III: What do Buddhists Realize? turns to the goal of Buddhist practice. It explains supermundane wisdom, the limitation of words, relative and ultimate truth, skilful means, truthfulness, the movement from worldling to noble disciple, and Nirvana. Nirvana is presented not as annihilation, union with God, or a metaphysical abstraction, but as the supreme peace realized through the ending of craving, ignorance, and the causes of dukkha. The appendices and supporting materials provide additional context on Buddhism in Siam, the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, Buddhist scriptures, glossary, further reading, and index. The footnote section also responds to common misunderstandings, making the book useful as both an introductory guide and a corrective manual for misconceptions about Buddhism.