These resources are offered here for two reasons. One might be because they informed my understanding of Buddhism early on. Another might be because they’re evidence that others have seen what I also see: just to say that I’m not a lone insane being coming up with these ideas. I imagine that over the course of more than two thousand years, many have seen the same things, but such ideas have been seen as heretical to traditional views, and suppressed. In our times of more readily spreading information, suppression isn’t as easy.
It is my understanding that all works included on this page can be downloaded freely for personal use.
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906-1993)
- Another Kind of Birth — Buddhadasa was a Theravadan monk with some controversial views who lived in Thailand. This is one of his most succinct explanations of his understanding of what the Buddha was actually talking about. I agree with much of what he says, but I describe it differently.
Nanavira Thera (1920-1965)
- Clearing The Path — Including “Notes on Dhamma” this book, written by a British Theravadan Monk residing in Sri Lanka in the 1960s, presents his understanding of a different view of the Buddha’s teachings. Familiarity with Pali needed for much of his discussions. His was one of the books I studied while first trying to understand Dependent Arising. Though he remained a believer in rebirth, much of what he says matches well to my understanding.