Foreword
Author’s Note
PART I
LIFE AND MESSAGE OF THE BUDDHA
Chapter 1. Life and Nature of the Buddha
Gautama, the Buddha
His Renunciation
Nature of the Buddha
Was Buddha an Incarnation of God?
The Buddha’s Service
Historical Evidence of the Buddha
Salvation Through Arahantahood
Bodhisatta
Attainment of Buddhahood
Trikaya The Three Bodies of the Buddha
Chapter 2. His Message
Message for All
Miraculous Power
The Buddha’s Silence
The Buddha’s Attitude Towards Worldly Knowledge
The Last Message of the Buddha
Chapter 3. After the Buddha
Does the Buddha Exist After His Death?
A Successor to the Buddha
The Future Buddha
PART II
BUDDHISM – ESSENCE AND COMPARATIVE APPROACH
Chapter 4. Timeless Truth of the Buddha
The Lion’s Roar
What is Buddhism?
The Ultimate Truth
Two Main Schools of Buddhism
Chapter 5. Basic Doctrines
Tri-Pitaka(or Tipitaka)
What is Abhidhamma?
Mind and Matter(Nama-Rupa)
Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path: The Middle Way
Everything is changeable
What is Kamma
Rebirth
Nibbana
Law of Dependent Origination
Eternalism and Nihilism
Can the First Cause be Known
Is There an Eternal Soul?
Chapter 6. Buddhism Vis-A-Vis Other Approaches
Is Buddhism Similar to Other Contemporary Teachings in India?
Is Buddhism a Theory or a Philosophy?
Is Buddhism Pessimistic ?
Is Buddhism Atheistic?
PART III
LEADING A BUDDHIST LIFE
Chapter 7. Moral Foundation For Mankind
What is the Purpose of Life?
Buddhism for Man in Society
The Buddhist Way of Life for Householders
Chapter 8. Buddhist Morality and Practice
Buddhist Ethics
What is Vinaya?
Ten Meritorious and Ten Evil Actions
Precepts
Loving-Kindness
Real Charity
The Buddhist Attitude to Animal Life
The Need for Tolerance Today
Buddhist Funeral Rites |
Chapter 9. Dhamma and Ourselves as Refuge
Why We take Refuge in the Buddha
No Self Surrender
No Sinners
Do It Yourself
Man is Responsible for Everything
Man is His Own Jailor
You Protect Yourself
How to Save Yourself
Chapter 10. Prayer, Meditation and Religious Practices
Faith, Confidence and Devotion
The Meaning of Prayer
Meditation
The Significance of Paritta Chanting
Are Buddhists Idol Worshippers?
Religious Significance of Fasting
Vegetarianism
The Moon and Religious Observances
PART IV
HUMAN LIFE IN SOCIETY
Chapter 11. Life and Culture
Traditions, Customs and Festivals
Buddhism and Women
Buddhism and Politics
Chapter 12. Marriage, Birth Control and Death
Buddhist Views on Marriage
Why Does the World Population Increase?
PART V
A RELIGION FOR REAL HUMAN PROGRESS
Chapter 13. Nature, Value and Choice of Religious Beliefs
Man and Religion
Which is the Proper Religion?
Moral and Spiritual Development
The God Idea
Changing of Religious Label Before Death
Short-cut to Paradise
Chapter 14. Promoter of True Human Culture
Modern Religion
Religion in a Scientific Age
Religion of Freedom
Buddhist Missionaries
Chapter 15. War and Peace
Why is There No Peace?
Can We Justify War?
Can a Buddhist Join the Army?
Mercy Killing
PART VI
THIS WORLD AND OTHER WORLDS
Chapter 16. Realms of Existence
The Origin of the World
Other World Systems
The Buddhist Concept of Heaven and Hell
Belief in Deities (Devas)
Spirit World
The Significance of Transference of Merits to the Departed
Chapter 17. Divination and Dreams
Astrology and Astronomy
Fortune-Telling and Charms
Consulting Mediums
Dreams and Their Significance
Faith Healing
Superstitions and Dogmas |
