--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who read books cannot understand…" description: "\"Those who read books cannot understand the teachings and, what's more, may even go astray. But those who try to observe the things going on in the mind..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be4/buddhadasa-bhikkhu-225108_able_those-who-read-books-cannot-understand-t_176347.jpg" --- # Those who read books cannot understand the teachings and… ![“Those who read books cannot understand the teachings and, what's more, may even go astray. But those who try to observe the things going on in the mind, and always take that which is true in their own minds as their standard, never get muddled. They are able to comprehend suffering, and ultimately…” quote by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be4/buddhadasa-bhikkhu-225108_able_those-who-read-books-cannot-understand-t_176347.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be4/buddhadasa-bhikkhu-225108_able_those-who-read-books-cannot-understand-t_176347.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be4/buddhadasa-bhikkhu-225108_able_those-who-read-books-cannot-understand-t_176347.jpg) > “Those who read books cannot understand the teachings and, what's more, may even go astray. But those who try to observe the things going on in the mind, and always take that which is true in their own minds as their standard, never get muddled. They are able to comprehend suffering, and ultimately will understand Dharma. Then, they will understand the books they read.” Buddhadasa Bhikkhu ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A teaching that direct observation of the mind supersedes book knowledge, leading to true understanding of Dharma. **In simple terms:** Observe mind directly for true understanding. Key Takeaway Prioritize personal insight over texts. Themes mindfulness learning wisdom Mood philosophical religious Type Able:0 Book:0 Books:0 Dharma:1 Education:0 Enlightenment:0 May:0 Mind:0 Standards:0 Suffering:0 Teaching:0 Trying:0 Understand Teachings:0 Understand Dharma:0 Understand Books:0 Dharma Understand:0 Books Understand:0 When to use this quote - spiritual practice - education - self‑study Key Concepts Buddhism philosophy Questions to Reflect On - thoughtful - instructive ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Dharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dharma/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Enlightenment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Teaching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teaching/) ## Related quotes > [When you understand dharma, when you see its perfect perfection, shining both in and beyond all things, you will be freed from all misunderstandings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/when-you-understand-dharma-when-you-see-its-perfect-perfection/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [To increase the flow of kundalini that will alter our perception, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of one's being. 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