Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha's Teachings

by Ajahn Chah, Jack Kornfield (Foreword), Paul Breiter (Translator)

This collection of ‘dharma talks’ from one of the great Buddhist teachers of the 20th-century is a fun, accessible crash course in Theravadan teachings on meditation, mindfulness, and more
 
Ajahn Chah influenced a generation of Western Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, Joseph Goldstein, and many other Western Buddhist teachers were at one time his students. Anyone who has attended a retreat led by one of these teachers, or read one of their books, will be familiar with this master's name and reputation as one of the great Buddhist teachers of this century.
 
Here, Chah offers a thorough exploration of Theravada Buddhism in a gentle, sometimes humorous, style that makes the reader feel as though he or she is being entertained by a story. He emphasizes the path to freedom from emotional and psychological suffering and provides insight into the fact that taking ourselves seriously causes unnecessary hardship.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2001

About the author

Ajahn Chah was born in 1918 in a village located in the north-eastern part of Thailand. He became a novice at a young age and recieved higher ordination at the age of twenty. He followed the austere Forest Tradition for years, living in forests and begging for almsfood as he wandered about on mendicant pilgrimage.

He practised meditation under a number of masters, among whom was Ajahn Mun, a highly respected and accomplished meditation teacher of the time. Ajahn Mun had an indelible influence on Ajahn Chah, giving his meditation practice the direction and clarity that it lacked. Ajahn Chah later became an accomplished meditation teacher in his own right, sharing his realization of the Dhamma with those who sought it. The essence of his teaching was rather simple: be mindful, don't hang on to anything, let go and surrender to the way things are.

Ajahn Chah passed away in peace after a long bout of illness on January 16, 1992, at his home monastery, Wat Pah Pong, in Ubon Ratchatani.

Reviews

[E.J. Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ajahn Chah gives perfect lessons that go straight to the heart of Buddhism. From the all-encompassing Dharma to the Buddha's path and what it means to live consistently, he leaves nothing unclear. There is no denying that he is a Monk that reached the apex of spirituality--enlightenment--and he conveys this knowledge with absolute clarity.

From keeping dogs from attacking squirrels (and how he overcame that), to what sets man apart, and how every man at his temple must stay busy and keep things clean--he is sure to keep your interest and is sure to have a lesson in what he says. One of my favorite quotes I hold close to this day, loosely translating, is: People are willing to keep their house clean, declutter, but too often could care less about taking this approach to their own minds.

So far, this my favorite book on Buddhism, if anything, because it comes from a name I can trust: Ajahn Chah.

[Jade Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If you let go a little , you will have a little peace ."
To people who are not familiar with inner peace , who cannot find a source of happiness . I suggest the way of life , in Buddhas teachings . Understand that it's okay to let go , do not get upset over fixable situations . Know that knowledge is power and meditation is medicine for your spiritual self . Create an environment where you can gain the happiness to relieve good karma in bad enviroments . Don't worry to much or you will get overly attached to something . Non- attachment is a hard thing to find concept over , because of natural reaction to get mad , to harm others or harm the ones you love , instead know happiness is the way . You do not have to compromise hatred for your neighbors .

My favorite book would have to be this one , cited beautifully , although it could be better written the topic of teachings is to understand the Four Noble truths , which is basically instructions to being happy . I feel that contrary to popular belief , Buddhism does not interfere with my existing religion . So if you have the time of day its a good read.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I respect Ajahn's life, work and teaching, but this book is not a great read. Like the books of many Dharma teachers, it's transcriptions of his talks. Unlike those other books, it is not well edited. There are lots of brilliant observations and juicy tidbits sprinkled generously throughout the book, but the book itself meanders. Chapters are long and don't really develop a coherent theme. Ajahn jumps from one subject to the next. This works in speaking, but not in writing. I wish his translator and editor had shaped the material more. It's also true that some of his images and metaphors don't resonate with me as a woman. It's not so much that he is sexist, as that his audience is largely male and monastic. His advice for householders is a bit simplistic, too. It's worth taking a look at to see if it resonates for you, but I struggled to finish it. His heart didn't come through to me in this collection. I'd recommend his, Food for the Heart, instead.

[Adrian Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All suffering and unsatisfactory experience come from causes. When the causes end, the suffering ends. All dharmas, whether pleasant or unpleasant, arise from causes. Knowing the four aspects - suffering, its arising, cessation, and the path - is all we really need. No other Dharma is necessary, because everything is naturally condensed into these aspects." -pg. 11

This is a profound introduction to Ajahn Chah, a Buddhist monk from Thailand, who taught with clarity and deep understanding gained from a lifetime of practice. Truly, this clarity is the main feature of this book, though by no means does that mean this is a simple read. Chah may explain with clarity but the concepts here are often complicated and difficult to grasp. This, more than any other Buddhist text I've encountered, reveals the intellectual depth one can explore in a meditative practice.

Being Dharma is divided into six main sections and an important Introduction written by Chah: Hearing Dharma, Understanding Dharma, Practicing Dharma, Seeing Dharma, Being Dharma, and Teaching Dharma. It takes time to work through each section but eventually you catch the rhythm of his teaching and somewhere around Practicing Dharma (the longest section) his style takes off. I think that is also around where I stopped trying to swallow the whole book and began taking smaller sips. So maybe that's my deal and you won't have the same experience. Either way, after struggling a little with the density of concepts I found a way to read this in a meaningful way.

I recommend this book but not as an initial exposure to Zen Buddhism. For that, I'm quicker to recommend Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. If you have already had some exposure to zen practice I do think this book inspires a depth of study elsewhere lacking in Buddhist literature.

[Vishnu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm torn in giving this book 4 stars. I loved the book for the perspective on teachings it presented. As someone who probably reads more "lay" books than "monastic" ones, it was incredibly valuable to experience and explore Ajahn Chah's perspective. In terms of the content of the book, 5 stars no doubt. I mean, more than 5 stars, it's the Buddha's teachings, radically transformative and always timely.

That said, the book could have used some editing, and maybe a bit better structuring. The first couple of chapters were IMMENSE, then the last couple were a bit too short. Somehow, the presentation didn't work for me, and I found it a bit hard to follow along at times. I think the content of the book could stay as it is, and with a bit more organization, this would have been a 100% success.

Still, for those looking for a monastic's take on the teachings, this is invaluable and a must read! In fact, probably one of the best I've read in this genre.

[Steve Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ajahn Chah had the capacity to relate the basic prrinciples of Buddhist practice in a way accessible to all. He was certainly uncompromising, as he saw it the central issue of life is suffering, the rise of suffering and the cessation of suffering. As I have grown older and my own practice has deepened the purity of his message rings ever more loudly for me. Awakening over ignorance was for him a no brainer, as it should be for everyone. The demystification of the teachings and his way of relating the priciples of the buddha's teachings to evetryday life were what made him great. Reading his thoughts and teachings have always been inspiring tome this book just provides more of the same. I am grateful that he took the time and that others were so moved to record what he said.

[Maya Saputra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dhamma is always about its depth and if we only swim around on its surface, we might begin to think to ourselves "Is this all?". Ajahn Chah gives us all reminders through his straightforward explanations for us to keep walking, living and breathing the Dhamma in order for us to able to dive deeper each time.

[Dakota Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the other reviews that found this book winding and disorganized are broadly correct, although that's likely due to the fact that these are really transcriptions of talks, so it's not really a reflection of Ajahn Chah. I'd imagine this book is of great value to someone well acquainted with the Thai Forest tradition and the teachings of Ajahns Mun and Chah, but in my opinion those looking for an introduction to Theravada or the Thai Forest tradition may find this book frustrating. It's certainly less dense than the works of Bhikkhu Bhodi (or at least, his work in In the Buddha's Words and his lectures on YouTube), but I wouldn't call this text approachable. The teaching is obviously meant for a culture other than our own, which the editor/translator is up front about, so keep that in mind if you choose to read it. If you're used to American writers on Buddhism, like Bhikkhu Bhodi or Thubten Chodron, or non-Americans writing for an American and European audience, like the Dalai Lama or Thich Nhat Hanh, this book is very different and offers a unique perspective in that way. I would definitely recommend this to a student of world religion or a serious student or practitioner of Theravada or Thai Forest, but not as an entry point.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a really good read on some of the deeper, yet simple concepts of Buddhism. However I would caution that this is not so much for a beginner. It is translated from talks given by the teacher Ajahn Chah, so its not necessarily formatted in a way that make for fast reading, but it does leave moments for great contemplation the concepts he teaches. I would highly recommend it for anyone that already has a good basic knowledge of Buddhism or a deep love for the subject.

[Ruslan Khakimov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Thailand and learning about Buddhism lead me towards Ajahn Chah and Thai Forest Tradition. This book is about his life, teaching and journey towards peace. There is a lot more to contemplate behind “everything is arising and passing away” and this book might help you, might guide you, might give you some answers…

[Maria Balsamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Dharma talks is inspiring. Some of the analogies and explanations helped me work through blockages I am having related to being more understanding and compassionate toward others. Very helpful.

[Marc Mannheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this guy! Sensible, sweet, and funny without trying to be. Helped me out with years long meditation queries. If my practice is adding to my suffering, am I doing something wrong? Yes! He says -- we're trying to decrease suffering, not pick on ourselves.

[Nick Cope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it were possible to explain why this book is essential, I would. It's not, so don't put off reading it.

[Carlos Vallejo]

I love it!!!!!

[Emma Shepley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it a bit difficult to read, gave up in the end

[Scott DeVerinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I return to the middle section a lot to remind me how to live. Clear to follow

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem. If you want to understand the teaching of the Buddha, this book is an excellent choice for a clear, straightforward explication.

[Doug Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ajahn Chah taught many westerners who went on to become teachers of Buddhism themselves. When you read this book, you will understand why so many people gravitated to what he had to offer.

This book is actually a collection of Ajahn Chah's teachings, gathered from friends and other sources. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the Buddhist path, the creator of this material is at once funny and piercingly direct. The following chapters titles assigned to this collection clearly speak to the essence of what is coming up: “The Trapper’s Snare”; “Beyond Cause and Effect”; “The Path to Peace”.

Serious though his guidance is, Ajahn Chah humorously advises readers not to take themselves too seriously.

[Kathy Ridges]

An awesome book from the master. He tells us to expect change 'little by little only' and the book is so full of good 'advice' it is a must for anyone interested in meditation and losing attachments to negative states of mind., 'To put the Buddha's teaching in a nutshell, the point is to transfusion our view.' Is how Chah sums it up. 'Whatever is it, you can let go of it.'

[ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless. Hilarious. Enjoyable Read.