In around 2009, Thiện Phúc composed a set of 8 books titled "Basic Buddhist Doctrines". However, it's really difficult for people, especially lay people with a lot of familiy duties, to read or to study the total of 6,184 big-sized pages. So, Thiện Phúc extracted some chapters, tried to revise and publish it as a small book titled "Essential Summaries of Buddhist Teachings". This little book is not a profoundly philosiphical study of Buddhism, but it is simply a glance at a very special religion: Buddhism. Devout practitioners should always remember that "Cultivation" means correct our characters and obey the Buddha's teachings. "Cultivation" means to study the law by reciting sutras in the morning and evening, being on strict vegetarian diet and studying all the scriptures of the Buddha, keep all the precepts, and purifying the body and mind through sitting meditation; however, the most important factors in real "Tu" are to correct your character, to eliminate bad habits, to be joyful and compassionate, to build virtue. In reciting sutras, one must thoroughly understand the meaning. Furthermore, one should also practise meditation on a daily basis to get insight. For laypeople, "Tu" means to mend your ways, from evil to wholesome (ceasing transgressions and performing good deeds). For these reasons, devout practitioners should understand thoroughly essential summaries of Buddhist teachings to see what should be followed and what should not. Hoping that this little book will help enhance the understanding of Buddhism for many people, especially for Buddhist beginners. Devout Buddhists should always remember that the main goal of cultivation in Buddhism is to enter into practicing well-being exercises that are linked to established daily life patterns, makes our lives more peaceful. The Buddha already explained clearly about the path of cultivation which He found out and He advanced to the Buddhahood on that path. The path of cultivation still demands continuous efforts with right understanding and practice. Presently even with so many books available on Buddhism, I venture to compose this booklet titled "Essential Summaries of Buddhist Teachings" in Vietnamese and English to introduce basic things in Buddhism to all Vietnamese Buddhist followers. Hoping this little contribution will help Buddhists in different levels to understand on how to achieve and lead a life of peace, mindfulness and happiness.
