Introduction 5
Literary Background 6
Core Points of Review 7
Factual Presentation from the Book 9
Example of Religious Paradox in the Book 9
Special Message of the Book 11
Conclusion 11
Personal Suggestion 11
References 13
What the Buddha Never Taught by Tim Ward
Introduction
Religion forms the core of human existence and our lives, principles, values, ethics are highly influenced by the religions we follow; however, man has been questioning the essence of religion ever since he came into being. No matter whether you follow Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Jainism, one never stops to seek the ultimate truth. In addition, the ultimate truth is the purpose of one’s existence. One of the religions that propagate the idea of spirituality and holds answers to many of man’s questions on life, truth, enlightenment, is Buddhism (Ward, 1995). Many who called themselves Buddhists and followed Buddhism in various parts of the world – the east or the west, followed Lord Buddha and his teachings. Some of us deal quite well with faith approaches to practice; others take a more skeptical view. Ward mentioned (1995) that their practice that of the reducing of suffering of self and others remains" (p.1). It is understood that Buddhism and Buddha’s teachings hold answers too many of our life’s questions on eternity and existence. This has given birth too many scriptures, debates, and conferences held since years. Further, scholars on this subject have gone out of their way to put forth their point (Prebish, 2002).
Books such as “Siddhartha by renowned author Herman Hesse, The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chondron, What Buddha never Taught by Tim Ward, and The Heart of Buddha’s Teachings by Thich Naht Hanh” in the league are few of the best books that talk about Lord Buddha’s teachings and message to mankind. Of these, “What Buddha never Taught” written by travel-writer, Tim Ward, is one that sheds light on Buddha’s message and also about aspects that have never been spoken about in a very effective manner.
Having recently read the book, it makes good sense to share a quick review on my findings from the book.
Literary Background
The book ‘What Buddha never taught’ is based on the premise of Buddhist teachings and ideologies Buddhists follow. Tim Ward is a journalist who as a seeker travels to Thailand to the famous Buddhist monastery, Wat Pah Nanachat in order to learn how to put Buddha’s teachings to real life practice. Having said this, the book is more of a travel memoir than a study done on Buddha’s teachings. It would be right to say that the author has stayed among monks and questioned their very faith on certain aspects of their belief and norms. In addition, he closely heard saying many things. Ward (1995) found saying "I lived two years in cave, said the monk. I know what is and isn't bad shit" (p.124). Coming from a philosophy background, Ward has done a good job in putting forth his observations to the monks he stayed with at the temple only so to have a clearer perspective.
Using this book, it is conveyed beautifully that we should not just believe what others say. Further, it justify by saying that life in this world is a peaceful, blissful, and beautiful being whose ultimate aim is colored and coated with different elements and shades of challenges in a multiple ways (Ward, 1995). These layers of elements and shades are physical and metaphysical which reflects consciously, subconsciously, or unconsciously an idea of creative and illuminated human minds. Therefore, the knowledge and beauty of existence of life lies in grooming and conditioning minds systematically for a peaceful and purposeful life. In addition, a human mind needs to awaken oneself to become deeply conscious of the metaphysical elements such as peace, love, respect, and tolerance (Prebish, 2002). Such a positive temperament helps a human being understand the nuances of life and become enlightened in life so that human mind can lead a good and peaceful life. However, this can happen when a human being comprehends and realizes the solemn beauty of the existence of God or Buddhism. Though the definition of life is indescribable, unutterable, unspeakable in limited words, there is a need to explore the solemn sanctity of finding the roots of leading an ideal life, not just seeing monks and believing them.
Core Points of Review
The book is written in parts capturing writer’s observations in a majestic style. However, it is evident that throughout the book the author has tried to be vehement about the Buddhist practices by making humorous remarks. However, they also used to discuss on many issues related to sex, drugs, and success. According to Ward (1995), "They get dragged back down into sex, drugs and success. Their practice disintegrates as soon as the course is over" (p.124). It is difficult to say if this is in order to have the book reader friendly or mere mischievous portrayal of his brief stay with the monks. One thing Ward does extremely well is sum up the various personalities and idiosyncrasies of each of the monks he lives with. His philosophical queries guide his spiritual self as a beginner at the same time that they spur the resident monks to consider the faith of their own commitments as religious leaders (Chavan, 2008).
Some of the facts discussed by the author are worth a thought that leaves the reader pondering. The author in this book observes that there are rules that the monks follow that were never taught by Buddha. While his stay at the Buddhist temple, the author notices a routine that the monks follow which is something of an extreme rigor. The monks are very strict and particular when it comes to their routine schedule (Banerjee, 2008). They wake up at 3am, chant religious lines, and then walk bare feet for miles on gravel roads. In addition, they accept only one meal a day. This, from the author’s perspective, is something Buddha never taught, and he goes so far to observe these unnecessary and vague in his opinion (Chavan, 2008). The author here seems to be of the firm belief that following such a rigorous schedule one should not underfeed oneself since it is serious crime to your physical body. In the end, it may pose severe biological issues. This is also noted to be of least importance. Since one follows ethical laws, and has courteous approached to life, one should not stretch oneself to such extreme limits. He has very tactfully mentioned in the book that these practices are a portrayal of your hollow belief in the religion and are only loud examples of uncalled sacrifice and denying oneself the rights to live happily and healthily (Banerjee, 2008).
The second important fact the author highlights is that although Buddhism is seen as the ultimate guide to spirituality and enlightenment, one is supposed to unearth the meaning to life and its secrets by self-struggle. This, the author, validates by stating from his personal experience while his stay at the temple. The book says how during his time at the monastery, the author never receives any spiritual guide or training (Ward, 1995). He is never taught or shown the nuances of meditation. However, he has always been suggested and advised to ‘follow the rules’. This sets him back since he is a novice at the task. In addition, he is of the belief that this is something Buddha never taught – to be less than willing to volunteer to teach (Banerjee, 2008). Ultimately, after several trials, he gets himself around and sets himself to find ways and methods in a given task (Ward, 1995). According Ward (1995), he, therefore, learns meditation himself and relates his experience by stating this, Apparently, I could not meditate and do anything else in the same day. If this was true, then what was the value of meditation, unless I was going to spend my whole life in a war? If I came here to meditate, then what was the point of this irritating chanting which clogged my brain like an advertising jingle?” (pp.198-212).
Factual Presentation from the Book
I would like to bring to the notice of the readers what the author has highlighted in the latter part of the book. There is one particular quote from the book that I would like to talk about. Ward (1995), mentions in addition, this quote is “If the world is crazy, maybe it needs a few sane people in the middle of it. Why do monks lock themselves up in monasteries? What's the good of solving your personal suffering if the solution keeps you isolated from everyone else's suffering?” (pp. 112-115) Little as you may like but this quote does set your mind to motion. If we need scholars and mentors to guide us through the unanswered and tricky facts of life, and through problems that only spirituality can solve, the question is - who do we turn to if all the learned people are locked away, solving their own problems, in secluded lands? Not to mention, is it not called resorting to selfish trends as to being carried away by the flow of our own miseries and sufferings? Further questions that force our conscience are:
- What good are we doing to the world then?
- Are we contributing toward world peace and development?
- Wasn’t the principle of self-development with worldly development at the core of Buddha’s teachings, the very foundation of his messages?
Therefore, the author concludes that having such a selfish attitude to living is most certainly one of those things what Buddha never taught. In addition, it would be interesting to highlight what one of the monks mentioned to him during his brief stay.
Example of Religious Paradox in the Book
The monk said, 'Some people come here with so much dust in their eyes it's unbearable to talk to them.' The author inferences, what does that say about the monkhood? He can't tolerate people with 'dust in their eyes.' All that these monks have developed here is a safe little self-centered world, which they call holy because villagers bow down to them. Living in a forest and wearing a robe does not make you better than anybody else. This as a reader I find both intriguing and deprecating at the same time. Now, there are two ways to look at this, which might as well make it a relevant debatable concept (Fozdar, 1997).
There is a mention that people of this world walk with their worldly burdens. So here, ‘dust in the eyes’ is a good analogy to what mankind is seeking today. In addition, it is the need for freedom from the worldly miseries. Each day is just as any other painstaking day, and there comes a point when you give up to your troubles and miseries (Banerjee, 2008). It is stages like these when man sets out to seek inner peace. One would definitely cross-oceans and Climb Mountains to reach that step where someone can answer to his queries and provide him with that sanctuary where he does attain a spiritual peace. From this context, the author says that it is improper for monks, who are spiritual leaders, to consider human weaknesses as a stigma in the society. After all, even they have been through that and seen that. It should be, therefore, in their nature to welcome people open armed and help them seek what they have sought for ages and have become sacred and highly.
In the author’s opinion, the lives the monks lead, are non-operational and have no motive. The respect they have built has been on mere vague facts. Rather than to be seen as a very comfortable world and life that they lead, it is considered as holy and common people shower immense respect and seek their blessings which is mere blasphemous. From his perspectives, by abandoning one’s family and the material world, one can achieve nothing but only be called to be extremely self-centered for his own means and happiness in life (Fozdar, 1997). This is seen as an element of mockery by the author and considered with due contempt.
Special Message of the Book
There are various other facts that the book speaks about which may seem as though the author is sorting to exaggeration but is sheer portrayal of his observations in a rather light tone for making it easier to read and relate to (Prebish, 2002). This book, on the whole, is quite an interesting piece of work if one has to learn about Buddhism, its rules, principles and all those other things that are widely followed but what Buddha never taught.
Conclusion
My personal opinion is that this book is one of its kinds that speak of Buddhist literature. It stands out the very many books in its genre simply for the fact that all points have been comprehensively spoken of. Further, it provides a very crisp view to readers about author’s observations. This book will help them understand the author’s views and perspectives in a philosophical manner, which is rather not talked about or discussed in our daily lives. Although one might agree or disagree with his opinions, it is regardless nonetheless to consider his theories from a personal point of view and gauge the significance of the laid aspects.
Personal Suggestion
My personal suggestion and guideline for all kinds of brainy readers of all age groups – whether you are young, old, middle age or you are a student, professional or homemaker, all should spend some time to read this book at least once and realize for themselves its worth and relevance. Without any doubt, every reader will feel privileged and inspired by reading this book and help themselves in being a successful, innovative, rational and pragmatic person. This book not only enables people to encounter any challenges of life with smile and perseverance but also remove ignorance from their life to make this world a better place where there is only scope for the fun-filled and inspiring piece of information (Prebish, 2002). The significance of this book is that it is written in lucid English used in our day-to-day life for better understanding of its readers. His work is deeply rich and thickly coated with information that triggers a thought in your mind and makes you want to know what others think about it the main philosophical theme – What Buddha never taught. Although his fundamental approach is theoretical and theological, the train of hid deep-rooted thinking is reflected in the entire book. This book is often referenced in discussions and writings based on plants and their relation with human beings. I would highly recommend this book by Ward “What the Buddha Never Taught” to all those who are interested in learning about Buddhism or in general, Thailand. This book is a very fine and eclectic depiction of Buddhist practices in the real world and the norms and rules associated with it.
References
Ward, T. (1995). What the Buddha Never Taught – 20th Anniversary Editions. USA: Celestial Arts Publishing. Print.
Banerjee, R. (2008). Buddha and the bridging relations. Progress in brain research, 168, 255–262. doi:10.1016/s0079-6123(07)68020-0
Chavan, D. V. (2008). Vipassana: the Buddha’s tool to probe mind and body. Progress in brain research, 168, 247–253. doi:10.1016/s0079-6123(07)68019-4
Prebish, C. S. (2002). An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (review). Buddhist-Christian Studies. doi:10.1353/bcs.2002.0026
Fozdar, J. K. (1997). The Revivification of the Buddha’s Dharma. Singapore Bahá’í Studies Review, 2, 51–67.
