Chapter 14: The Buddha

The author asserts that the Buddha cannot be led astray or followed because his conquest cannot be undone and no path can be traced to him.

The author claims that the Buddha cannot be led astray by desire because he is free from the snares and poisons of desire.

The author argues that the enlightened are held in such high regard that even divine beings envy those who are awakened, meditative, and wise.

The author lists four major difficulties: human birth itself, mortal life, hearing the true law, and attaining Buddhahood.

The author articulates the fundamental teaching of all Buddhas: refraining from sin, doing good, and purifying the mind.

The author claims that the Buddha teaches patience as the highest penance and long-suffering as the highest Nirvana, distinguishing true ascetics from those who harm others.

The author specifies the ethical and meditative practices of the awakened: non-blame, non-violence, restraint, moderation, solitude, and contemplation of highest truths.

The author argues that sensual desires cannot be fulfilled no matter how much material wealth is offered, and the wise person recognizes their brief pleasure and lasting pain.

The author claims that a fully awakened disciple finds no satisfaction even in heavenly pleasures and delights only in the destruction of all desires.

The author observes that people seek refuge in mountains, forests, and sacred places out of fear, but notes these are not safe or effective refuges.

The author defines the best refuge as taking shelter in the Buddha, the Law (Dharma), and the Church (Sangha), combined with clear understanding of the Four Noble Truths.

The author lists the Four Noble Truths: pain, the origin of pain, the destruction of pain, and the eightfold path that leads to the cessation of pain.

The author asserts that taking refuge in Buddha, Law, and Church with right understanding constitutes the safe and best refuge that liberates one from all suffering.

The author claims that a Buddha is rarely born and not found everywhere, and that wherever one is born, that people or race prospers.

The author identifies multiple sources of happiness: the arising of the awakened, the teaching of the true law, peace in the church, and devotion of the peaceful.

The author concludes that paying homage to those worthy of honor—the Buddha, disciples, and those who have overcome evil and achieved liberation—generates merit that cannot be measured.