Page 65 - EH68

BOOKS IN BRIEF | EASTERN HORIZON 63

BOOKS IN BRIEF

Buddha’s teachings while at the same time new and
provocative. This book is an opportunity to meet this
very creative teacher and to familiarize oneself with his
ideas, which present the central teachings of Buddhism
in a way that is in tune with the times. This book
contains some of his core teachings and will give the
reader a glimpse into some of his at times controversial
thoughts.

Dhammavidu Bhikkhu & Santikaro Upasaka, Seeing Dhamma—a Pali word meaning “law of nature” or
with the Eye of Dhamma. The Comprehensive Teachings “truth,” but commonly used to refer to the overall

of Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu. USA: Shambhala. 2022. pp 310. body of Buddhist teachings—has the potential to
US$22.95 fundamentally change one’s life. The author introduces
www.shambhala.com the Dhamma to lay practitioners in a relatable and
powerful way. Beginning with an extensive discussion
This book introduces the reader to one of the most of spiritual practice and moving into specific teachings
important figures of modern Buddhism, Ajahn on Dhamma, this book will be an indispensable
Buddhadāsa, a foremost thinker who has worked to resource for Theravada Buddhists, Insight Meditation
adapt Buddhism to the modern world by putting forth practitioners, and all readers interested in a profoundly
committed modern approach to the Buddhist path. EH
interpretations of the tradition that are rooted in the

ancient India to paint a compelling picture of the
Buddha’s life.

The result is a truly authoritative biography. Comprising
a total of 14 chapters, Bhante Dhammika depicts the
historical Buddha as a remarkable man as well as a
teacher – a day in the life of the Buddha, his humor,
his debating style, his background and the Sakya tribe
S Dhammika, Footprints in the Dust. The Life of the that he was born into. We also learn about the gods
Buddha from the Most Ancient Sources. Singapore: worshipped during the Buddha’s time, the Brahmins
Buddha Dhamma Mandala Society. 2021. pp 293. and samanas, and the monastics and lay disciples.
There is also a chapter where the Buddha explained
In the Preface to the book, Bhante Dhammika worldly matters to his lay disciples who included kings
mentioned that he has been writing this book for 35 and commoners. From this book we can agree that the
years. He has always been intrigued and fascinated Buddha was truly an extra-ordinary person.
by who was the Buddha and what the Buddha was
like ever since he became a Buddhist in his late teens. Therefore, any person interested in a down- to-earth,
Thus, based on the Pāḷi Canon and telling us a more accurate and readable appraisal of the founder of this
human story of the Buddha during his time than we great world religion, seen through modern eyes, will
may be used to, the book draws on Bhante’s extensive find this book irresistible. EH
knowledge of the ancient Buddhist scriptures and