Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree: The Buddha's Teaching on Voidness

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but disappointing.
Review: Although this book is pleasant looking and enjoyable to read, and written by an apparently revered author, I found it a bit disappointing. As a long time student of this subject, sunnata/ voidness/emptiness, as it is presented in Mahayana teachings, I wanted to see if there was anything to be gained from studying Theravadin (Hinayana) teachings on this central Buddhist topic. Perhaps this book disappointed me in that regard because of its format: it is another of those books that was not written as a book, but is merely a collection and reworking of talks the author gave about this subject. As such it did not seem very rigorous in its treatment of this profound subject, but instead it seemed to spend most of its time talking around the subject. I didn't feel that I came away from the reading with much new knowledge or insight. Perhaps it would serve as an introduction to the topic, but anyone who really wanted to make headway in this difficult field would quickly realize the need for more in-depth study and a great deal of meditation training under a qualified teacher.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, but disappointing.
Review: Although this book is pleasant looking and enjoyable to read, and written by an apparently revered author, I found it a bit disappointing. As a long time student of this subject, sunnata/ voidness/emptiness, as it is presented in Mahayana teachings, I wanted to see if there was anything to be gained from studying Theravadin (Hinayana) teachings on this central Buddhist topic. Perhaps this book disappointed me in that regard because of its format: it is another of those books that was not written as a book, but is merely a collection and reworking of talks the author gave about this subject. As such it did not seem very rigorous in its treatment of this profound subject, but instead it seemed to spend most of its time talking around the subject. I didn't feel that I came away from the reading with much new knowledge or insight. Perhaps it would serve as an introduction to the topic, but anyone who really wanted to make headway in this difficult field would quickly realize the need for more in-depth study and a great deal of meditation training under a qualified teacher.

Rating:
Summary: Getting to the empty heart of Buddhism
Review: I read this book, published under the title, Heartwood of the Bo Tree, while I was living in Thailand. It is, in my opinion, an extremely important discussion on the essential truth of Buddhism, stripping away all of the unnecessary glitz which accompanies it in the East and all of the new-age pseudo gurus who speak and write about Eastern religion in the West. I found myself entranced by the text, which is actually a series of lectures, originally given in Thai, to Thai laypeople by a revered senior monk, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. The sermons methodically and simply explain the simple essence of Buddhism as they cover the most crucial truths which, interestingly, all seem to boil down to one: Emptiness. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is truly interested in Buddhism without all of its trappings, or someone who is struggling to let go of all which causes them sufferring. (i.e. let go of absolutely everything-including their strife for happiness) Hope that doesn't give too much away! I am very pleased to see that this book is now available outside of Thailand, because I loaned my well worn copy to my brother-in-law over two years ago and haven't seen it since. It's still hard not to cling.

Rating:
Summary: Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree
Review: This is a real precious gem very clear and sharp. Buddhadasa points his finger and one really forgets the finger and sees exactly what he is pointing at. The most perfect teaching to directly experience and realize, in the very moments of reading. Everybody interested in Buddhism beginner or not can profit, as the book is both easy to read and full of enlightening information of the real nature of our existence. Personally I have read few books with such power and clarity. Buddhadasa shows "Void ness" he dos not merely talk about. This book is heart to heart communication, in the real sense of the words, it is more then fantastic, excellent or great, but it is simply realistic.