The Core of Original Buddhism by Ken Wheeler

Creators Ken Wheeler
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Ken Wheeler CORE OF ORIGINAL BUDDHISM.pdf (1.8 MB)

Introduction to the Book

The Core of Original Buddhism by Ken Wheeler delves into the authentic teachings of Buddhism as preserved in the Pali Nikayas. Wheeler critiques the sectarian interpretations and modern distortions that have deviated from the original doctrine. His translations aim to restore the profound metaphysical and ontological truths taught by the historical Buddha, emphasizing themes of transcendence, the True Self (Attan), and liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara).

About the Author

Ken Wheeler is a metaphysician and scholar known for his explorations of ancient philosophies, linguistics, and esoteric doctrines. In this work, Wheeler provides a rigorous analysis of the core principles of Buddhism, challenging long-standing misconceptions and offering insights into the path to ultimate liberation.

Key Themes and Concepts

1. The Deathless Essence (Attan)

  • Wheeler highlights the Buddha’s teaching that every being possesses a “deathless essence” or Attan, which transcends the impermanent aggregates (skandhas).
  • Liberation involves recognizing this essence and disentangling oneself from attachment to the unreal realm of phenomena.

2. The Four Noble Truths

  • Wheeler provides a detailed translation of the Four Noble Truths, focusing on their metaphysical implications:
    1. Suffering (dukkha): All existence within the cycle of rebirth involves suffering.
    2. Origin of Suffering: Craving and desire lead to rebirth and perpetual suffering.
    3. Cessation of Suffering: Liberation is achieved by abandoning all attachments and desires.
    4. The Path to Liberation: The Noble Eightfold Path provides the means to transcend suffering.

3. The Noble Eightfold Path

  • Wheeler reinterprets the Eightfold Path as a metaphysical progression rather than a moralistic framework. It includes:
    1. Samma’ Diṭṭhi: Perfect insight into reality.
    2. Samma’ Saṅkappa: Perfect resolve.
    3. Samma’ Vācā: Perfect speech, free from delusion.
    4. Samma’ Kammanta: Perfect action, transcending worldly attachments.
    5. Samma’ Ājīva: Perfect livelihood, aligned with truth.
    6. Samma’ Vāyāma: Perfect effort, directed at eliminating defilements.
    7. Samma’ Sati: Perfect mindfulness, cultivating awareness of the True Self.
    8. Samma’ Samadhi: Perfect meditative absorption, leading to union with ultimate reality.

4. Unity and Transcendence

  • Wheeler explores the “Vision of Unity-Fulfillment,” a state of transcendence where one realizes the indivisible nature of existence within the Absolute.
  • The path to this vision involves the cessation of duality and the attainment of profound wisdom.

5. The Middle Way

  • The Middle Way avoids the extremes of indulgence and self-mortification, leading to enlightenment through balance and insight.
  • Wheeler critiques ascetic practices as external and unhelpful for achieving true wisdom and liberation.

6. Turning Back to the Light

  • The book emphasizes “turning back to the light,” or redirecting one’s focus from the unreal, suffering-filled realm of aggregates to the eternal bliss of Samma-Perfection.
  • This turning involves meditative practices that foster deep recollective insight and detachment.

7. Critique of Sectarianism

  • Wheeler critiques the development of Buddhist sects such as Theravada and Mahayana, arguing that these movements have obscured the original teachings of the Buddha.
  • He insists that the Pali Nikayas contain the only authentic, non-sectarian record of the Buddha’s teachings.

8. Misconceptions About Buddhism

  • Wheeler dispels common myths, such as the idea that Buddhism is solely an oral tradition or that compassion in Buddhism aligns with Christian charity.
  • He emphasizes that true Buddhist philanthropy lies in spreading the teachings of liberation rather than engaging in worldly acts of merit.

Structure and Highlights

The book is organized around key Buddhist teachings, including translations of seminal passages from the Nikayas, explanations of core doctrines, and critiques of modern misinterpretations. Notable sections include:

1. The Four Noble Truths

  • A detailed analysis of suffering and its cessation through wisdom and detachment.

2. The Noble Eightfold Path

  • A retranslated and reinterpreted version of the path, emphasizing its metaphysical depth.

3. The Vision of Unity-Fulfillment

  • Discusses two types of unity: one tied to worldly deeds and the other transcendent and free from defilements.

4. The Middle Way

  • Explores the Buddha’s rejection of extremes and the significance of balance in achieving enlightenment.

5. Antecedent Recollection Through Breath

  • A meditation practice that fosters profound awareness and insight.

Conclusion

The Core of Original Buddhism is a compelling work that restores the metaphysical essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Ken Wheeler’s translations and commentaries offer readers a profound understanding of the path to liberation, free from the distortions of sectarianism and modern misconceptions. This book is essential for anyone seeking an authentic and transformative engagement with Buddhism.