Thich Nhat Hahn in his books (like the ones above) tends to present some basic Buddhist teachings that are fundamental to all traditions. Like dependent origination or what he has dubbed "interbeing," mindfulness and compassion.Bonsai wrote:I have Old Path White Clouds and The Heart of Buddha's Teachings on the way in the mail. A light bulb just flicked on in my brain in that Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Monk, and I am interested in Theravada Buddhism, since the latter holds true to the original teachings (from what I've read). Also, Zen requires a teacher, and I don't have one.
So can anyone recommend a book, in the Theravada tradition, that looks at Buddha's life and Buddhist teachings? The book you would take if you had to spend the next 20 years in the wilderness, yet a book that is easy to read for someone new to Buddhism. I am still looking forward to reading Hanh's books, but I am a linear thinker. 1 leads to 2 leads to 3. Yet when you replace 2 with 5, or turn 3 upside down, then I get lost.
Last question. Is this something I should be worrying about now? I am assuming there are major differences between Zen and Theravada, and learning Zen without a teacher...well I really want to learn more about Theravada.
Thanks for all answers! And I hope the hijacking was okay, since it's related to the original topic and what was discussed here about Hanh.
As far as I remember he does not present much Zen or Mahayana in the books that you mention, but I could be wrong.
As regards choosing a tradition, best as Ben says to acquaint yourself with several different ones. Read, go on retreats if you can and most importantly practice!
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