우선 Essays나 Dhamma Talks 카테고리의 책들은 법문들 필사해서 묶은 거라 챕터별로 난이도 차이도 좀 있고, 챕터들을 관통하는 일관된 주제가 있지도 않아서 좀 애매하네요. Study Guides나 Treatises의 책들은 좀더 학구적이고 또 약간 '어렵고 복잡'하기도 하지만, 설명이 워낙 체계적이고 자세해서 한 주제를 이해하는 데에는 사실 훨씬 더 유용합니다.
(그 전에 그냥 그런가 보다, 알 듯 말 듯 했다가 이 카테고리의 책들을 읽으면 뭔가 눈이 확~ 뜨이는 것 같은 느낌이 들죠. ^^)
그러니 관심 가는 제목을 골라 직접 훑어보셔야 할 것 같아요, ㅎㅎ. (참고로, 타니사로 스님의 책들은 목차가 대개 맨 뒤에 나옵니다.) 아니면 제 페북에 앨범으로 만들어 놓은 것들 훑어보셔도 되구요. https://www.facebook.com/keepsurfinglife/photos_albums
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사실 제 경우 타니사로 스님의 책을 읽을 때마다 매번 '이 책이 나의 new favorite이다!'라며 감탄하는 중인데, Treatises에서 몇 권만 언급해 보겠습니다.
(3) "Karma Q & A." 사실 이 책은 짧고 쉽고 또 엄청 재밌습니다. 우리 모임의 다음 번 정도 교재로 하면 좋을 듯 해요.
(4) "The Paradox of Becoming." 해탈의 원리를 이해하는 데에 최고의 책일 듯 합니다.
(5) "The Shape of Suffering." 12연기 혹은 인과의 법칙에 대한 책. 윤회를 안 믿더라도 일상에서 자기 생각/마음을 어떻게 다스리면 되는지에 대해 의외로 실용적인 '이해' ('팁'이 아니라)를 얻을 수 있습니다.
(6) "The Wings to Awakening." 타니사로 스님의 책들 중 가장 어렵다고 소문난 책인데, 며칠 전 읽기 시작했거든요. 넘 멋져서 걍 입이 떡!!!!! 벌어집니다, ㅎㅎ. Just indescribable.
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타니사로 스님의 책은 아니지만 불교라는 이름의 철학 혹은 인지심리학의 breadth와 depth를 한눈에 보시려면 아비담마도 좋구요. 물론 아비담마는 부처님이 직접 하신 말씀이라기 보다는 후대 스님들이 부처님 말씀을 체계화해 놓은 참고서 같은 것인데, 이 책도 엄청난 매력을 갖고 있습니다.
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A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma Paperback – September 1, 2003
by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Editor)
4.4 out of 5 stars 90 ratings
This modern translation of the Abhidhammattha Sangaha (Manual of Abhidhamma) offers an introduction to Buddhism's fundamental philosophical psychology. Originally written in the 11th or 12th century, the Sangaha has served as the key to wisdom held in the Abhidhamma. Concisely surveyed are Abhidhamma's central themes, including states of consciousness and mental factors, the functions and processes of the mind, the material world, dependent arising, and the methods and stages of meditation. This presents an exact translation of the Sangaha alongside the original Pali text. A detailed, explanatory guide with more than 40 charts and tables lead readers through the complexities of Adhidhamma
Shelves: dhamma
The doctrine of rebirth and karma are normally to be taken on faith. The Buddha doesn't offer any 'proof', empirical or otherwise, of these core principles of the Dhamma. Another doctrine that involves a leap of faith is the teaching that one can transcend the whole samsara - cycle of birth and death. Both these teachings (karma and nirvana) are the central teachings of the Buddha, and both cannot be proven empirically.
This leaves us with two choices: blindly accept or reject the teaching, or choose one of these courses through informed consideration of the theory behind them. Of course, neither of these methods will give us assurance of the reality of these teachings - only direct realization can. But the choice of accepting or rejecting these teachings itself comes with its own share consequences. If we assume that there is no causal relationship between actions and results, the basis to establish a moral or ethical code of conduct reduces to a social convention. But it would also imply that no man can ever choose specific actions that lead to his happiness. It also implies that one cannot develop skill, because the idea of a skill can arise only if one could tweak results by carefully choosing actions, and that can never happen if there were no causal relationship between actions and results. So we can see that there is at least some sensible logic in accepting that actions and results are casually related. Any reasonable person a can accept this much.
But some important ideas are not addressed by this level of understanding of karma: rebirth, and the ending of all rebirth. If rebirth never happens at all, then there is no need to try and put an end to it. But the whole of the Buddha's teaching essentially culminates in the teaching of nirvana - the ultimate cessation of all dukkha, including that of rebirth. In fact the pursuit of the Buddhist path leads to progressive levels of freedom, (the four stages to enlightenment) all of which are described in terms of how many more times one may be reborn before finally attaining nirvana. So the teaching of rebirth is central to the teaching of nirvana. Accepting the doctrine of rebirth or the possibility of nirvana requires a leap of faith, and even if one does accept rebirth as a form of after-life, accepting the teaching of nirvana, requires an even greater leap of faith.
The Buddha employed several ways to encourage faith among his listeners. Of these, explanations through questions, counter-questions, and answers is a very important method. Thanissaro Bhikkhu's treatise on 'Becoming', or bhava, serves as a great volume of deep understanding of the Dhamma.
This book goes into the depths of becoming, rebirth, consciousness, karma, and nirvana. But as Ajahn explicates this in his inimitable style, he notes a complex paradox built within the framework of the Dhamma. Because the causal network of factors is so complex it is inherently unstable. The Buddha used this essential instability to his advantage and employed it to the attainment of nirvana. This involves the understanding of a queer paradox, that Thanissaro Bhikkhu beautifully describes. Read it and enjoy this truly stupendous masterpiece. (less)
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The Wings to Awakening: An Anthology from the Pali Canon, Fourth Edition, Revised Paperback – January 1, 2004
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Author)
The Wings to Awakening: An Anthology from the Pali Canon
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
4.37 · Rating details · 67 ratings · 3 reviews
This anthology contains more than 200 new translations of passages from the Buddha's teachings, along with commentary to help the reader understand their meaning and relation to the practice of meditation. Includes teachings on the Four Frames of Reference, the Four Right Exertions, the Four Bases of Power, the Five Faculties, the Five Strengths, the Seven Factors for Awakening, and the Noble Eightfold Path. (less)
John Greef
Jan 27, 2015John Greef rated it it was amazing
This is the book that convinced me of the Buddha. It's complex and simple. Dry and exciting. I love it and I fear it (less)
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Derek James Baldwin
Aug 24, 2018Derek James Baldwin rated it really liked it
This can be a slog at times but likely to be of most benefit (as stated in the introduction) as a source to revisit when reading around one of the themes. The sections on the hindrances I found especially useful. The explanatory sections by Thanissaro are very helpful in setting the scene and summarising. There's something a little passionless about the text which is a shame but as a serious piece of scholarship I guess this is inevitable. This is not going to be everyone's cup of tea and not recommended if you haven't got a reasonable grounding in Buddhist ideas. (less)
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The Shape of Suffering, a Study of Dependent Co-arising Paperback – January 1, 2008
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Author)
Top review from the United States
Eric Van Horn
5.0 out of 5 stars A+++++
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2014
I will start with a summary and then expand on it. First of all, if you have any interest at all in the Buddha's teachings on causality - sometimes called "dependent origination" or "dependent co-arising" - then this is the only book on the subject that understands this subtle and complex topic. "Causality" is at the very heart of the Buddha's teaching, but it is also the most difficult topic in Buddhism, even I would assert, more complex than "non-self", although the two are closely bound.
The other thing I will say is that this book is available for free at Dhammatalks.org. I am not sure why the high price on this book. You can also request a free copy from Metta Forest Monastery.
OK. So that is the summary. I will give a brief story about this book.
About 6 months ago I was talking to someone who is quite a serious Buddhist practitioner. I said to her that of all the books that I had read on "dependent origination", and of all the talks I had heard on the subject, I had never once heard someone who I thought really understood the topic. This includes many extremely prominent Buddhist teachers, one of whom did his Ph.D thesis on the topic. My friend referred me to this book. I have now read it so many times that I have lost count, and I can tell you that this is the real deal.
Now to be sure, this topic is not for the faint of heart. However, if you have a serious interest in the Buddha's teachings, this is a real jewel. Be patient while reading, for it is "informationally dense". But Thanissaro Bhikkhu backs up all of his assertions from the Buddha's own discourses. In fact, most of the book is short summaries of main points, followed by quotes from the Buddha himself. It is an extraordinary level of understanding that is rooted in personal meditative practice and amazing scholarship.
For anyone who has a serious interest in what the Buddha taught, this is a must read.
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18 people found this helpful
Jul 28, 2020Greg is currently reading it
"Both formerly & now, it is only stress that I describe, and the cessation of stress." - SN 22:86
In a typical Thanissaro fashion, this book cuts deep and straight to the point, with absolutely no fluff. It is truly a treatsie. If you want to hear what the Buddha had to say on Dependent origination (paticcasamuppāda), then this is a the book for you. It is not for the feint of heart. It is a serious attempt at showing the reader how the four nutriments lead to further becoming and how we perpetuate our own suffering. This cannot be better summarized better than by a quote of the pali cannon, which is found in the book.
May this book aid you in your journey.
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“And how is physical food to be regarded? Suppose a couple, husband and wife, taking meager provisions, were to travel through a desert. With them would be their only baby son, dear and appealing. Then the meager provisions of the couple going through the desert would be used up and depleted while there was still a stretch of the desert yet to be crossed. The thought would occur to them, ‘Our meager provisions are used up and depleted while there is still a stretch of this desert yet to be crossed. What if we were to kill this only baby son of ours, dear and appealing, and make dried meat and jerky. That way — chewing on the flesh of our son — at least the two of us would make it through this desert. Otherwise, all three of us would perish.’ So they would kill their only baby son, loved and endearing, and make dried meat and jerky. Chewing on the flesh of their son, they would make it through the desert. While eating the flesh of their only son, they would beat their breasts, (crying,) ‘Where have you gone, our only baby son? Where have you gone, our only baby son?’ Now what do you think, monks, would that couple eat that food playfully or for intoxication, or for putting on bulk, or for beautification?”
“No, lord.”
“Wouldn’t they eat that food simply for the sake of making it through that desert?”
“Yes, lord.”
“In the same way, I tell you, is the nutriment of physical food to be regarded. When physical food is comprehended, passion for the five strings of sensuality is comprehended. When passion for the five strings of sensuality is comprehended, there is no fetter bound by which a disciple of the noble ones would come back again to this world."
-SN 22:70 (less)
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Clay
Dec 03, 2018Clay rated it it was amazing
Ven. Ananda: It's amazing, lord, it's astounding, how deep this dependent co-arising is, and how deep its appearance, and yet to me it seems as clear as can be.
The Buddha: Don't say that, Ananda. Don't say that...
This book is a wonderful study of a quite complicated topic. Thanissaro, with expert skill, presents the subject in his usual style: joining abundant excerpts from the Suttas together with his own commentary. I still don't fully grasp it all (or else I'd certainly be awakened), but the mechanisms of suffering seem a little clearer now. (less)
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Vishnu
Mar 22, 2018Vishnu rated it it was amazing
Shelves: buddhism
This book is truly one-of-a-kind. I guess, if I were to put it simply, this book is solely concerned with what the Buddha taught, historically, without varnish. I want to read more books like this: not about mindfulness, not about stress reduction, and not even about loving the world. About suffering and the end of suffering, plain and simple. Deep stuff, and honestly, perhaps not for the faint of heart.
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Karma Q & A: A Study Guide
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
4.78 · Rating details · 9 ratings · 0 reviews
Kamma and rebirth are often understood to be teachings of fate and helplessness in the face of unknowable influences from the past. Instead of teaching fate, The Buddha’s teachings on kamma and rebirth are empowering, showing how people can develop skills in the present that will lead to the end of suffering. So, to help show how valuable these teachings are, here’s a set of answers, based on the Pāli Canon, to some questions frequently asked about these topics. (less)
