Why Are We Born?

The book "Why Are We Born?" is a collection of dharma sermons by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Dhamma Kokasajarn, Ngeum Intapanyo) delivered on Buddhist holy days during the Buddhist Lent period in 1965 at the Dharma Hall of Tharn Nam Lai Temple (Suan Mokkh Monastery). The book contains 5 separate sermons: 1. Born to Journey (July 21, 1965) 2. Journeying with Wisdom (July 28, 1965) 3. In Fact, We Are Not Really Born (August 5, 1965) 4. Journeying Easily (August 12, 1965) 5. Paying Off Karma While Removing Arrows (August 26, 1965) The book was originally printed by the Precious Life Propagation Foundation and has been republished in 2026 to commemorate Buddhadasa's 120th birth anniversary. It is now compact, easy to carry, and designed to be a "pocket book of dharma that touches the heart". The core message explores the fundamental human question: "Why are we born?" It suggests that this question plagues ordinary people who are not enlightened, and that each person seeks answers according to their own beliefs. Those who fully understand this question are those who will no longer be reborn - the Arahants. The book aims to guide readers towards living correctly according to Buddhist principles, offering wisdom through Buddhist scriptures, dharma teachings, and ancient proverbs.