What the Buddha Never Taught

By Tim Ward

Book Overview

There is still a place in the jungles of Thailand, where you can leave it all behind... A cult classic and bestseller in the 1990s, What the Buddha Never Taught is a humorous behind the robes account of life inside one of the strictest jungle monasteries in Southeast Asia. In Pahnanachat, the monks keep the 227 rules laid down by the Buddha, including refraining from all killing. But how does a foreign monk cope with cobra in the outhouse, or the temptation of a Mars Bar in his begging bowl? Find out, in this newly reincarnated 20th anniversary edition, with a new introduction by the author and a new foreword by Wade Davis.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1895897912
• ISBN13: 9781895897913
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Somerville House Books
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Buddhist realism

Ward's account of his stay in a famous Thai forest monastery provides a profound glimpse of the potential rewards and the many difficulties of Buddhist practice. His unvarnished, well-told story is a far more realistic view of what that path is all about than you are likely to find in most Buddhist how-to manuals.

I recomend this book to anyone interested in Buddhism.

What The Buddah Never Taught is an exhilerating, real to life account of the daily life and ordeals of living in a Buddhist monastery. For those interested in the religion it is a "must read".

Thought Provoking

I found this book to be exceptional. It alone provoked many thougths and many lessons of my own, and will continue to do so. I found Tim Ward to display his experience in a very precise,beautiful, and funny way. The point of everything...to be able to laugh.

Fascinating, stimulating and fun tale..

of the author's adventures in a Thai Monastery, fresh out of theological studies and after being a Jesus freak and deciding to explore other spiritual traditions. An amusing foray into conditions that would challenge even a saint, nevermind a young, curious adventurer. Like his other two books -- Awakening the Goddess, and The Great Dragon's Fleas it brings fresh North American eyes to the current renditions of these ancient Asian spiritual paths and modern Asian cultures. The author is both entertaining, fresh and refreshing in all three books. Somewhat reminiscent of The Empty Mirror -- Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery by Jan Willem Van De Wetering. Good reads, all!!!!

"What the Buddha Never Taught", or did?

Much appreciation to the author for a wonderful journey. I felt as if I were there every step of the way. Clear, vivid, and honest. Giggles were as abundant for me as the transformations in to my own personal contemplations. As a lay-buddhist, questions were posed that I often ponder myself. So the identifications were of comfort and great value. I admire Mr.Ward for his courage and willingness to confront important issues. Anyone who wants to expand their spiritual horizons, heart space, and mind this one is a must read