What the Buddha Taught

“After his Enlightenment, Gotama the Buddha delivered his first sermon to a group of five ascetics, his old colleagues, in the Deer Park at Isipatana (modern Sarnath) near Benares. From that day, for 45 years, he taught all classes of men and women—kings and peasants, Brahmins and outcasts, bankers and beggars, holy men and robbers—without making the slightest distinction between them. He recognized no differences of caste or social groupings, and the Way he preached was open to all men and women who were ready to understand and to follow it.”

Rahula explains how the Buddha taught people from all walks of life, emphasizing the different social classes, genders, and professions who were represented among the first Buddhists. By painting Buddhism as an accessible and non-hierarchical religion, the author establishes his theme on Tolerance, Respect, and Freedom of Thought in Buddhism. This inclusivity strengthens Rahula’s argument that Buddhism is rooted in social equality and compassion rather than institutional hierarchy.

“Other teachers were either God, or his incarnations in different forms, or inspired by him. The Buddha was not only a human being; he claimed no inspiration from any god or external power either. He attributed all his realization, attainments and achievements to human endeavor and human intelligence.”

In this passage, Rahula highlights how Buddhism is fundamentally different from other faiths, as there is no god or divine messenger in Buddhism—not even the Buddha himself. By emphasizing the role of human intentions and intelligence in enlightenment, Rahula reminds the reader of Buddhism’s unique perspective among the world religions.

“The freedom of thought allowed by the Buddha is unheard of elsewhere in the history of religions. This freedom is necessary because, according to the Buddha, man’s emancipation depends on his own realization of Truth, and not on the benevolent grace of a god or any external power as a reward for his obedient good behaviour.”

The author credits the Buddha with showing respect to those who questioned his teachings. By not only allowing but encouraging this doubt, the Buddha supported people’s freedom of thought and won disciples through the quality of his teachings. Rahula’s emphasis on the Buddha’s respect for others’ opinions adds depth to his theme on tolerance, respect, and freedom of thought in Buddhism. This open invitation to question even the Buddha himself frames Buddhist learning as dialogic and self-directed, appealing to seekers who value autonomy and critical thought.