Turning the Wheel of Truth: Commentary on the Buddha's First Teaching

This book greatly elucidates on the meaning of the four noble truths, the basic doctrine of Buddhism. So far I have read the sections on the first two noble truths, which are the fact and nature of suffering, and the origin of suffering. It goes into much more depth on the noble truths than any other book which quotes from the Buddha. Usually he is quoted as follows on the first truth:Now this, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of suffering: birth is suffering, aging is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.However the author goes into much more detail, exploring how almost every aspect of (even contemporary and computerized) life leaves an unsatisfying and suffering nature in its entirety. It is a great modern and Westernized treatment of the truths.One of my favorite books on the Noble Eightfold Path is one by Bhikkhu Bodhi, titled the same. It sets out each stage of the path. The first is Right View, which is achieved by studying and reflecting on the Four Noble Truths, especially the first two. The current work can have you go a very long way towards the fulfillment of this purpose and enable you to go to the next step, starting your path of the threefold training in earnest now that you understand the framework in which it is set.Highly recommended, more than almost anything else on this subject to learn and reflect on the noble truths, but please see many other good books for explanation on *practice*. Anything by Bhikkhu Bodhi or Bhante Gunaratana, especially.

it's all good except the teaching on 8fold path. it's not described clear enough in my opinion. long and wordy 8fold path. and this is the most important part. i think "The heart of the Buddha's teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh is more clear in this respect.

A good read about the basics of Buddhist teaching, great for beginners to gain a greater understanding of the Four Noble Truths. Makes you want to study the subject further. Written in very accessible language for westerners as it was written by a British follower of the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. An excellent choice for

Although I am still working on this book, I am enjoying it very much. I like the author's style of writing and his point of view, and his wording is very easy to understand without being condescending or simple. It is in keeping with how I am already beginning to understand the teachings of the Buddha, which makes things a little less confusing instead of more so. I may suggest this book for a book group we have going.

I've read several other books on Buddha Shakyamuni's core teachng in my 16 years of study, but this one is the most accessible for new Buddhists because it is written in colloquial Western language. There are many examples pulled from the author's own experience with these important teachings. Although written by a Theravaden monk, it is appropriate for Mahayana and Vajrayana practitioners who want to learn more about early Buddhism.

We are using this book in a discussion group of several Buddhist therapists and it is an excellent way to facilitate clinical thinking with a Buddhist perspective.

Wonderful book. Clear and helpful to all practitioners.

One of the clearest and understandable presentations on the teachings of the Buddha. A must read for any serious practitioner who wants to avoid the embellishments attached to the many Buddhist schools today.

Easily the best book I have read on Buddhism so far, and I have read many over the last 25 years. Incredibly informative, and packed full of wisdom.

A good book, and easy to read.

Product arrived on time and in good condition. Finding the book heavy going but that is probably just me. Recommended by buddhist monk but too deep for me.

Ajahn Sucitto provides here a great commentary on the first discourse of the Buddha: the sutta of the setting in motion of the wheel of Dhamma. The commentary style is simple and unassuming, and is carefully constructed to help the reader connect the dots between the teaching on the Four Noble Truths and daily life. As is usual with the Thai forest tradition, the teachings are presented in a practical and straightforward way, helping the student progress naturally and spontaneously on the path.

As with all of Ajahn Sucitto's writing, this is clear and wise. A beautiful book and aid to any practitioner eager to put the teachings of the Buddha into practice in life.