The Buddha before Buddhism Quotes

“The Book of Eights’ emphasis is on overcoming any longing for any form of future rebirth. In contrast to later Buddhist teachings that are predicated on the belief in rebirth, the Book of Eights presents a path of practice—attainable in this lifetime—that appears free from concern with multiple lives.”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings

“The Book of Eights’ emphasis is on overcoming any longing for any form of future rebirth.”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings

“the text explicitly denies the role of ultimate religious “truth” and “knowledge” in attaining personal peace.”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings

“the Book of Eights does not espouse a religious doctrine that exists in opposition to other doctrines. Nor does it put forth a teaching that is meant to be seen as superior to other teachings.”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings

“what might the Buddha have taught after his awakening but before he and others organized and systematized his teachings into what is now identified as Buddhism?”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings

“In this text, reality is not divided into a conditioned, worldly realm and an unconditioned, transcendent realm far removed from the contingent world of ordinary human life. Instead, the teachings point to a peace that can be found in this life in this world.”
― Gil Fronsdal, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings