The Buddha’s life is in itself a teaching of the dharma. It shows us how the Buddha addressed the specific situations of his sociopolitical world. It demonstrates how he was not indifferent to the plight of that world. He was constantly involved with people—not just his monks but powerful rulers, wealthy merchants, religious opponents, simple farmers, his ambitious relatives. He had to do whatever was necessary to ensure the survival of his teachings and community. The suttas show us how the Buddha taught not just by words but by his actions.
