Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
Beneath the enormous umbrella of Buddhism, there is a diverse galaxy of customs and beliefs, but there is also a kernel of truth that every sect holds dear. Rahula Walpola, scholar and monk, discovers this foundation of Buddhism for us first through straightforward explication, never skipping over a point that has yet to be substantiated, then through translations from key scriptures. Logical and focused, these are the essentials of Buddhism; know them first, then move comfortably on to other Buddhist works.
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
amazon beats school bookstore by $20 yet again
Customer Rating:
yet another textbook found and purchased at a price cheaper than the school offered. thanks.
Foremost book on Buddhism for scholastic rigor and simplicity
Customer Rating:
This is the foremost book on Buddhism recommended for it's simplicity, authenticity, completeness, and scholastic rigor. If you want to know what Buddhism is really about, rather than what some popular crackpot or charlatan is trying to re-brand as Buddhism these days, this is the book to read. It is written with non-Buddhists curious about Buddhism in mind, and is suitable for use in college-level courses. Even if you're a Buddhist, this is worth reading just to see if you have any misconceptions about Buddhism.
Breath of fresh air
Customer Rating:
This book is simple and down to earth in its presentation of Buddhism. So much so, in fact, that I am almost embarrassed by my books on Tibetan, Zen, Theravadan and all the other sectarian accounts of the Buddha's teachings. Reading Rahula, I have to ask: when did Buddhism get so complicated? And why? From his presentation, the additions to the teachings by later traditions seem superfluous indeed.
Enlightening
Customer Rating:
By far the most infomative book on buddhism, avoiding over simplification and really getting to the heart of this philosophy.
What the Buddha Taught
Customer Rating:
A book that will give you a clear, easy to understand introduction to Buddhism. Will help make hard to grasp aspects of Buddhism clear to the reader.
Select button not working? 
