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Without and Within
Without and Within is a new book of questions of answers on the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
Non-Buddhist readers can easily understand the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings given 2600 years ago. Written in a concise style which is knowledgeable, yet not overly-academic. The questions addressed are the most common and modern questions popularly asked.
Non-Buddhist readers can easily understand the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings given 2600 years ago. Written in a concise style which is knowledgeable, yet not overly-academic. The questions addressed are the most common and modern questions popularly asked.
257 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
27 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Ajahn Jayasaro
11 books24 followersAfter joining Ajahn Sumedho's community as an anagārika in 1978 he travelled to Thailand to ordain at Wat Nong Pah Pong in 1979.He received full ordination by Ajahn Chah in 1980 and was abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat from 1997 to 2002.
Jayasāro has been involved in educating Thai people about the ivory trade. In 2018, Jayasāro authored a biography of Ajahn Chah entitled Stillness Flowing.
In 2019, Jayasāro was honoured with a royal title from Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
On 9 March 2020, Jayasāro was granted Thai citizenship by royal decree.
He currently lives alone in a one monk monastery in Thailand.
Jayasāro has been involved in educating Thai people about the ivory trade. In 2018, Jayasāro authored a biography of Ajahn Chah entitled Stillness Flowing.
In 2019, Jayasāro was honoured with a royal title from Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).
On 9 March 2020, Jayasāro was granted Thai citizenship by royal decree.
He currently lives alone in a one monk monastery in Thailand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 27, 2017
I have to admit – I found this book on the bedside table of a hotel room in Koh Phangan. And In the short time spent there (2 days) I couldn’t stop reading from it. It’s an introductory work on the Thai Buddhism. It simple, clear, straightforward. It really is what the subtitle promotes it to be: a collection of the most common question on Buddhism and the simple answers.
I didn’t know much about Buddhism before opening this book – only a few general facts about praising kindness, nurturing meditation and promoting selflessness – but I feel that, after reading this book, I have a better understanding of the origins of Buddhism, the teachings, the philosophy around it and the means it promotes in order to live a happier life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism (obviously), about meditation, about kindness and generosity, about dharma and karma.
I didn’t know much about Buddhism before opening this book – only a few general facts about praising kindness, nurturing meditation and promoting selflessness – but I feel that, after reading this book, I have a better understanding of the origins of Buddhism, the teachings, the philosophy around it and the means it promotes in order to live a happier life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism (obviously), about meditation, about kindness and generosity, about dharma and karma.
March 25, 2017
Great intro to Buddhism. All your basic questions answered. I got my copy from a hotel in Thailand.
August 30, 2025
The problem with this book is that there is a gap between the actual message of the Buddha and the cultural and religious packaging.
The Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu—none of them asked to be worshipped. They pointed to truth, to freedom, to direct realization. Over time, followers turn the messenger into an idol, because that feels safer than embodying the teaching. It’s easier to revere a figure, memorize rules, and debate what’s “allowed” than to face the radical simplicity of looking within and taking responsibility for one’s own mind.
At its raw essence, what the Buddha pointed to is startlingly simple, so simple that human beings almost can’t tolerate it without complicating it.
Without and Within communicates the teachings, but softens their edge. It presents Buddhism more as a religion to follow than as the uncompromising inner revolution the Buddha embodied.
Where it falls short is in the very thing the Buddha warned against: clinging to forms and institutions. Much of the text reflects not only the Buddha’s teachings but also the weight of Theravāda tradition—emphasis on monastic authority, rituals, and cultural practices. While the book does acknowledge the difference between culture and Dhamma, it often blurs the line, leaving the impression that one must revere the tradition in order to grasp the truth.
The book itself is simple, easy to read, and clear in its explanations. It might capture what the buddhism is today. However, because the teachings have been passed down and interpreted through many cultural and institutional perspectives, the original message feels blurred. What was once a direct pointing to inner freedom now comes mixed with tradition, hierarchy, and ritual.
The Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu—none of them asked to be worshipped. They pointed to truth, to freedom, to direct realization. Over time, followers turn the messenger into an idol, because that feels safer than embodying the teaching. It’s easier to revere a figure, memorize rules, and debate what’s “allowed” than to face the radical simplicity of looking within and taking responsibility for one’s own mind.
At its raw essence, what the Buddha pointed to is startlingly simple, so simple that human beings almost can’t tolerate it without complicating it.
Without and Within communicates the teachings, but softens their edge. It presents Buddhism more as a religion to follow than as the uncompromising inner revolution the Buddha embodied.
Where it falls short is in the very thing the Buddha warned against: clinging to forms and institutions. Much of the text reflects not only the Buddha’s teachings but also the weight of Theravāda tradition—emphasis on monastic authority, rituals, and cultural practices. While the book does acknowledge the difference between culture and Dhamma, it often blurs the line, leaving the impression that one must revere the tradition in order to grasp the truth.
The book itself is simple, easy to read, and clear in its explanations. It might capture what the buddhism is today. However, because the teachings have been passed down and interpreted through many cultural and institutional perspectives, the original message feels blurred. What was once a direct pointing to inner freedom now comes mixed with tradition, hierarchy, and ritual.
January 8, 2019
An easy way to deep dive and discover - answering the most pertinent questions. Asking good questions is an art form - put on display here.
April 25, 2020
This is now my first recommendation for Westerners who want to learn about Buddhism. Why?
1) It's written by a Buddhist. So, you're getting information from an insider, not filtered by an outsider
2) It's written by a recognized, teaching, Buddhist monk. So, you're getting info from a studied adherent.
3) This Buddhist monk is a Westerner. (Don't let his Thai name fool you.) So, he uses terms and explanations easy for us to follow. And, he includes questions that may be more typical of Westerners to ask.
4) The answers are direct and clear.
5) He is forthright in admitting that "the notion of a personal creator god is clearly incompatible with Buddhist teachings" (p. 73).
6) The English is grammatically correct and precise.
7) The question and answer format, organized by categories and with a full table of contents, lets you go right to the questions that interest you most and lets you go back and find things again later. Great reference tool. Although I eventually read it cover to cover.
8) He helps the reader sort the practice of Buddhist religion from elements of Thai culture that do not adhere.
9) Beautifully bound outside and laid out inside with meditative pictures and quotes.
In presentation and content, a persuasive volume - maybe too attractive for people unpracticed in discernment. Why? He claims that "Buddhism is not a religion based on the adoption of certain beliefs" (p. 64) and that it "has no dogmas" (p. 67). That's very appealing in this day and age of relativism. But his claim is rather understated. Here it is important to distinguish between practice and belief. I agree with him that Buddhism is not "dogmatic" in practice, meaning that adherents are not required to sign on to a statement of faith. (See also p. 86, question "How important is it for Buddhists to believe in rebirth?") But there are definitive teachings. Why else would the author insist more than once that certain other beliefs are antithetical to Buddhism?
1) It's written by a Buddhist. So, you're getting information from an insider, not filtered by an outsider
2) It's written by a recognized, teaching, Buddhist monk. So, you're getting info from a studied adherent.
3) This Buddhist monk is a Westerner. (Don't let his Thai name fool you.) So, he uses terms and explanations easy for us to follow. And, he includes questions that may be more typical of Westerners to ask.
4) The answers are direct and clear.
5) He is forthright in admitting that "the notion of a personal creator god is clearly incompatible with Buddhist teachings" (p. 73).
6) The English is grammatically correct and precise.
7) The question and answer format, organized by categories and with a full table of contents, lets you go right to the questions that interest you most and lets you go back and find things again later. Great reference tool. Although I eventually read it cover to cover.
8) He helps the reader sort the practice of Buddhist religion from elements of Thai culture that do not adhere.
9) Beautifully bound outside and laid out inside with meditative pictures and quotes.
In presentation and content, a persuasive volume - maybe too attractive for people unpracticed in discernment. Why? He claims that "Buddhism is not a religion based on the adoption of certain beliefs" (p. 64) and that it "has no dogmas" (p. 67). That's very appealing in this day and age of relativism. But his claim is rather understated. Here it is important to distinguish between practice and belief. I agree with him that Buddhism is not "dogmatic" in practice, meaning that adherents are not required to sign on to a statement of faith. (See also p. 86, question "How important is it for Buddhists to believe in rebirth?") But there are definitive teachings. Why else would the author insist more than once that certain other beliefs are antithetical to Buddhism?
February 5, 2024
This book was a free book in my hotel room in Thailand, much like the Gideons Bibles that are in hotel rooms in the USA. I started it while reading on the beach, and took it home with me to finish because it was so good.
Without and Within, is an introduction to Thai Buddhism (Theravada Buddhism). It is written in a question and answer format and is very accessible. Admittedly it's impossible to talk about every part of Theravada Buddhism with all of it's nuances in one book, but this book does a great job hitting the main points where I feel that I am able to understand the basics and can explore more depth with this fundamental understanding.
One of the main things I take from this book is that Buddhism is more educational system rather than a religion. Buddhism is more of a self study rather than rules you should follow. There are of course suggestions of things you can strive to do and some agreed upon views of how the world is, but absolute devotion to these are not requirements to being 'Buddhist'. Instead they are suggestions that if you want to reduce suffering in your life, and reach states of freedom, care for others, and personal peace then try these things. You do them because they help you move towards the direction of enlightenment, not because they are Buddhist and since you are Buddhist you do Buddhist things.
This distinction allows and encourages each person to be curious about their own journey, to see what is working for them, to be aware of what practices helps them more. To go to teachers for questions based on their own practice, continually moving things from theory to practice.
Another take away I got from this book was two kinds of desire that are talked about. One is desire *Tanya* which is craving and *Chanda* which is wholesome enthusiasm.
Craving : the desire to consume and to acquire; the desire for self-gratification; the desire for oneself to exist or not exist in some particular way; selfish desire.
Wholesome desire: the delight in witnessing the fulfilment and integrity of things; the desire to help bring about such fulfilment; the desire for things to be complete in themselves.
This distinction is helpful, when I hear the phrase ' let go of desire' its in the context of cravings, not all desire.
Overall this book paints a open and compassionate view of Buddhism and encourages me to continue to practice my meditation, compassion, giving, etc in order to be more at peace with myself and my world.
Without and Within, is an introduction to Thai Buddhism (Theravada Buddhism). It is written in a question and answer format and is very accessible. Admittedly it's impossible to talk about every part of Theravada Buddhism with all of it's nuances in one book, but this book does a great job hitting the main points where I feel that I am able to understand the basics and can explore more depth with this fundamental understanding.
One of the main things I take from this book is that Buddhism is more educational system rather than a religion. Buddhism is more of a self study rather than rules you should follow. There are of course suggestions of things you can strive to do and some agreed upon views of how the world is, but absolute devotion to these are not requirements to being 'Buddhist'. Instead they are suggestions that if you want to reduce suffering in your life, and reach states of freedom, care for others, and personal peace then try these things. You do them because they help you move towards the direction of enlightenment, not because they are Buddhist and since you are Buddhist you do Buddhist things.
This distinction allows and encourages each person to be curious about their own journey, to see what is working for them, to be aware of what practices helps them more. To go to teachers for questions based on their own practice, continually moving things from theory to practice.
Another take away I got from this book was two kinds of desire that are talked about. One is desire *Tanya* which is craving and *Chanda* which is wholesome enthusiasm.
Craving : the desire to consume and to acquire; the desire for self-gratification; the desire for oneself to exist or not exist in some particular way; selfish desire.
Wholesome desire: the delight in witnessing the fulfilment and integrity of things; the desire to help bring about such fulfilment; the desire for things to be complete in themselves.
This distinction is helpful, when I hear the phrase ' let go of desire' its in the context of cravings, not all desire.
Overall this book paints a open and compassionate view of Buddhism and encourages me to continue to practice my meditation, compassion, giving, etc in order to be more at peace with myself and my world.
August 23, 2019
This book serves a great introduction to Theravada Buddhism (particularly in Thailand). Since I wanted to learn more about Theravada Buddhism, and Since I wanted to ease my way into my study with a “light reading”, I decided to read this. It is a very approachable book in the format of “Q&A”, written in ways laypeople can understand.
It should be noted that this book has a huge emphasis on Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, and that there may be differences in practices in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, since Theravada Buddhism around the world do indeed have similarities, regardless of geographic location, this book gives a nice introduction to Theravada Buddhism altogether.
I recommend this book to anyone who interested in learning about the basics of Buddha and Theravada Buddhism.
It should be noted that this book has a huge emphasis on Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, and that there may be differences in practices in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, since Theravada Buddhism around the world do indeed have similarities, regardless of geographic location, this book gives a nice introduction to Theravada Buddhism altogether.
I recommend this book to anyone who interested in learning about the basics of Buddha and Theravada Buddhism.
February 14, 2019
🌸" yesterday is a memory
Tomorrow is the unknown
Now is the knowing"
.
🌸It was really an amazing book, with so many pictures and thoughts, poetry and love.
.
🌸" WITHOUT AND WITHIN" is the book that shows you the path to inner purity and successful life with pure and sacred heart.
.
🌸Who was the Buddha, what is enlightenment,
Did the Buddha have sense of humour, can the creation and enjoyment of art be considered a spiritual path? All you will get to know by reading this exceptionally written book.
🌸Question and Answers on the teaching of Theravada Buddhism. 🌸Must read.
Tomorrow is the unknown
Now is the knowing"
.
🌸It was really an amazing book, with so many pictures and thoughts, poetry and love.
.
🌸" WITHOUT AND WITHIN" is the book that shows you the path to inner purity and successful life with pure and sacred heart.
.
🌸Who was the Buddha, what is enlightenment,
Did the Buddha have sense of humour, can the creation and enjoyment of art be considered a spiritual path? All you will get to know by reading this exceptionally written book.
🌸Question and Answers on the teaching of Theravada Buddhism. 🌸Must read.
August 22, 2019
I got this book given to me by a head monk when visiting Thailand, and I absolutely loved reading it and learning about Buddhism. It was such an easy read and answered so many questions that anyone may have. It answers in such a simplistic way, that even the complicated answers were easily understood. It is fascinating learning about other religions and cultures! If anyone wants to learn about this religion then this is the book to start with!
February 15, 2021
I was given this book by a hotel I stayed in when I visited Thailand. It was easy to read and explained the teachings and principles of Theravada Buddhism. I found it interesting that Buddhism is not a religion as it doesn’t worship a deity. I also liked that the author said people turned to religion for hope and to make meaning in their lives. The book also gave interesting techniques for meditation, although on the whole it was not a memorable read.
June 22, 2022
A good general introduction to Buddhism and to how Buddhism is practiced in Thailand (and other Theravada countries). The book is written in a question-and-answer format with explanations that are all brief and clear. There are also a number of questions that I think people commonly ask (like about the day-to-day life of Buddhists) but that most guides to Buddhism don't cover.
November 28, 2023
It was a book written for hotel visitors in Thailand to learn about Buddhism.
Easy read. Very informative and non-bs to accurately grasp all the Buddhist virtues. It was a question-answer based format, where the author answered simple questions and misconceptions from people.
Really liked the design as well! 5/5
Easy read. Very informative and non-bs to accurately grasp all the Buddhist virtues. It was a question-answer based format, where the author answered simple questions and misconceptions from people.
Really liked the design as well! 5/5
February 27, 2025
Refresh of Thai Buddhism (Theravada) through the answering of questions.
Story of Siddhattha from 2,600 years ago, with Dhamma and Sangha being pivotal.
Four Noble Truths:
Dukkha (suffering)
Cause of dukkha
Ceasing of dukkha
Path to end
Eightfold Path;
Right: view; intention; speech; action; livelihood; effort; mindfulness; and concentration.
The Middle Way
Story of Siddhattha from 2,600 years ago, with Dhamma and Sangha being pivotal.
Four Noble Truths:
Dukkha (suffering)
Cause of dukkha
Ceasing of dukkha
Path to end
Eightfold Path;
Right: view; intention; speech; action; livelihood; effort; mindfulness; and concentration.
The Middle Way
February 10, 2019
An excellent introduction to Thai Buddhism. Some concepts are perhaps not immediately graspable, but rewards patient reflection. I highly suggest The Power of Now as a companion piece, not on Buddhism but as an elaboration on concepts such as “impermanence”, “dukkha”, and “not-self”.
November 7, 2023
Easy to read intro to Theravada Buddhism and the Thai Forest Tradition. Written by a Western monk so will likely be more accessible to a Western audience than some other intro books. The Q&A format is helpful.
August 31, 2017
Comprehensive and a very clear introduction to buddhism
July 18, 2018
An elegantly inviting introduction to Buddhism. Powerful enough to open new lines of thought and compact enough to digest at leisure.
May 10, 2021
Easy read. I finally understand the fundamentals of Theravada Buddhism.
April 14, 2022
This and many other worthwhile books on Buddhism may be downloaded from: https://www.jayasaro.panyaprateep.org...
February 5, 2024
3.5 stars
April 18, 2025
Without and within has provided answers to all sorts of questions about Buddhism in a simple and clear way.
June 23, 2025
ajahn jayasaro is the 🐐
'Evam' 2026?
'Evam' 2026?
May 20, 2016
Very good, condensed insight into a buddhism and its' culture. You don't need any prior knowledge about Buddha when reading this book; and language is also kind of 'simple': easy to understand.
I didn't want to read five 400-pages bibles about buddhism - I wanted just one book to more or less explain me as much as possible about this culture. And this book filled this role perfectly. I recommend.
I didn't want to read five 400-pages bibles about buddhism - I wanted just one book to more or less explain me as much as possible about this culture. And this book filled this role perfectly. I recommend.
June 21, 2016
If you have an interest in Buddhism, this is an excellent primer on how to incorporate the Buddhist philosophy into your daily life. It is in a question and answer format and presents Buddhism in an easy to understand way.
March 2, 2024
I loved this book. The writing is very clear and serves as a very good introduction to Buddhism. It can also be used as a reference. I've read it twice and every time I read it I get something new from it.
January 5, 2016
This book was in our bungalow in Pai, Thailand. A quick, clear, concise, well-written read on Buddhism, specifically in Thailand.
May 29, 2016
A great introduction to Theravada Buddhism for beginners. No assumed knowledge necessary. It manages to convey some deep ideas while staying an easy and light read. Finished in half a day.
September 25, 2016
Very though-provoking and informative but thankfully in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. This is definitely a great intro guide to Buddhism in Thailand.
January 10, 2017
Really interesting for someone who didn't know that much about Buddhism. Loved it!
February 13, 2015
Perfect overview of all the questions one could have about buddhism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews