Book Summary:
The Buddha for Inquisitive Minds by P. L. Dhar is a thoughtful and accessible exploration of the teachings of Gautama Buddha, designed for readers who seek a deeper understanding of his philosophy beyond common misconceptions. The book presents the essence of the Buddha’s message as preserved in the ancient Pali scriptures (Tipiṭaka), explaining core principles such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, impermanence, and mindfulness in a clear and relatable manner. Dhar emphasizes that the Buddha’s teachings are not just about meditation or stress relief, but a complete framework for understanding the nature of the mind and achieving true inner transformation. Written in a conversational tone that appeals to modern, curious readers—especially the youth—the book encourages inquiry, self-reflection, and practical application of the Dhamma in daily life. It bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary thinking, making it both an introduction to Buddhist philosophy and a guide for mindful living.
About the Author:
P. L. Dhar is an Indian author, educator, and long-time Vipassanā meditation practitioner. A former professor of mechanical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, he has spent over three decades teaching and researching while integrating scientific inquiry with human values and inner development. Since 1985, Dhar has been deeply involved in the study and practice of Vipassanā meditation, and after his voluntary retirement in 2011, he has dedicated his time to writing and teaching about mindfulness and the Buddha’s teachings. He conducts courses and workshops on mindful living and also teaches a popular course, “Mindfulness: The Key to Inner Development,” at IIT Delhi. Through The Buddha for Inquisitive Minds, Dhar combines his scientific background and meditative insight to make ancient Buddhist wisdom relevant and comprehensible to the modern world.
