Part Four - Discourses Summary and Analysis

Thich Naht Hahn offers anecdotes about the Buddha that illustrate the material contained in this book. Primarily they consist of Buddha teaching a student some aspect of the practice of Buddhism, and illustrating it through colorful stories using some Indian terminology.

The Discourse on Turning the Wheel of the Dharma discusses the middle way and the Noble Truths. Basically, the lesson is that as soon as insight and understanding of the noble truths, their aspects and stages are realized, the liberation of the mind is unshakeable and results in the last birth and no more becoming. This highest Wheel of Dharma being set in motion creates an immeasurable splendor in the world.

The Discourse on the Great Forty is Buddha teaching a student about right and wrong thinking, speech, action, livelihood, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, understanding...