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Seeing The Way
The Theravada Buddhist tradition has existed in Asia for more than 2500 years. Now it is taking root in the West. This book is a collection of 20 talks, letters, and essays by English speaking disciples of Theravada meditation master, the Venerable Ajahn Chah. Some of the disciples remain in Thailand where most received their initial monastic training. Others are now involved in establishing monasteries in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. The offering of this book is a gesture of gratitude to their teacher, by what has become a world-wide community of monks, nuns and lay people.
- GenresNonfictionBuddhism
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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About the author
Ajahn Chah
62 books220 followersAjahn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 8, 2018
Seeing the Way is a set of lectures, notes, and essays written by (mostly) western, english speaking disciples of Ajahn Chah.
I found it incredibly helpful and informative concerning the practices of Buddhist monks and their insights. Some of the writers include personal stories,which make the read more relatable, and there's a brief biography on each monk as well. The writing is accessible to those beginning to learn Buddhist thinking, as terms which may be well-known to Buddhists but which lay people may still be attempting to grasp are quickly and casually explained (with an addition of a short glossary at the back). I also think it makes a good re-read.
I admit I have only read a few books by Buddhists so far, but find this book was the most helpful to me in terms of understanding Buddhism, my own personal spiritual growth, and inspiration.
I found it incredibly helpful and informative concerning the practices of Buddhist monks and their insights. Some of the writers include personal stories,which make the read more relatable, and there's a brief biography on each monk as well. The writing is accessible to those beginning to learn Buddhist thinking, as terms which may be well-known to Buddhists but which lay people may still be attempting to grasp are quickly and casually explained (with an addition of a short glossary at the back). I also think it makes a good re-read.
I admit I have only read a few books by Buddhists so far, but find this book was the most helpful to me in terms of understanding Buddhism, my own personal spiritual growth, and inspiration.
June 22, 2018
How young the ajahns look in the photos! Twenty or so followers of Ajahn Chah, several of whom have since achieved great seniority, each contribute a short biography and an essay or interview. These are of varying quality and interest, A Brahm is very entertaining, Tiradhammo makes some important points on noting, but I especially liked Viradhammos piece So What. It’s a very good compilation.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews