Buddha by Karen Armstrong

I’ve always been interested in learning more about Buddhism so I figured why not start with a book about Buddha?

Karen Armstrong did an amazing job of giving a biography of Buddha and providing objective information while comparing variations of the story of Buddha. I think she gave great insight into the beliefs and mindset for someone trying to reach enlightenment.

Yoga was an essential practice and seems to have been the foundation of the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. He tried various forms of study to reach enlightenment but ultimately realized he needed an out of body experience and needed to be mindful of every sensation, emotion and thought to reach enlightenment or awareness. Personally, I love this notion and this inward look of the world. You needed to have a deep understanding of your emotions and sensation which I think is something that should be encouraged more in this world. 

It wasn’t about being stoic or suppressing emotions, you just needed to understand them and not let them overcome you. Buddha didn’t teach that aspects of human nature, such as anger and envy, were sinful or wrong. He taught the notion that these aspects were not conducive to peace and balance within yourself. 

I greatly admire the idea that we can find enlightenment and a sense of peace within ourselves. That we need to look at how we live and how we feel to achieve our ultimate purpose.

 I will say I felt the latter part of the Buddha’s story felt like it had strayed from the original purpose of reaching and teaching how to reach nibbana. His later modifications to his teachings for the common population seemed questionable to me but I’ll let you decide for yourselves.

I greatly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in learning about Buddha. Great but not for everyone 🙂