Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha

by far the best buddhism book out there entailing the life story of the Buddha. A monk referred this book as it translates friendly and explains some sutra in an easier to understand way. if you are interested in buddhism, a MUST read

After reading over a dozen books written by Thich Nhat Hanh, I finally purchased this book for my Kindle and after reading the book, I have to say I agree with those reviewers who have touted this book as his very best. I don't consider myself a Buddhist by any means, especially since I'm a convinced Monotheist, but I have to say I enjoyed this book thoroughly. When I first read "Thay", as some call him several years ago now, I thought his writing was a little too touchy-feely for me. But the advice in that book (Breathe! You Are Alive), really worked for me. I had the same experience with the book Transformation and Healing. For a Future to be Possible in the older edition with essays by other Buddhists introduced me to the Five Precepts, which "Thay" calls the Five Mindfulness Trainings. I was already keeping four of the five precepts because of my personal moral and ethical views, and since I have tended to cut down on meat and dairy products for health reasons, I was almost in full compliance with the precept not to kill animals. Over the years I read other books by "Thay", including The Heart of Understanding, Zen Keys, True Love, and the Plum Village Chanting and Recitation Book, as well as some of his commentaries on various Mahayana Sutras. I found Thich Nhat Hanh to be the most accessible Buddhist writer for what I need. When I finally read Old Path White Clouds, I had to chuckle at times because the Buddha seems to be "Thay" himself. This version of the life of the Buddha would make a wonderful family movie. It may be "Thay's" interpretation of the Buddha, but the basic teachings of Buddhism are well presented. This biography of the Buddha also makes for a very good introduction to the basic teachings of Buddhism. It seems to be suitable for an introductory course on Buddhism for use in a Dharma Center. If I could only own one book about Buddhism, this would be the book. I also own "In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha) by Bhikkhu Bodhi". Although Thich Nhat Hanh is Vietnamese Rinzai Zen monk and Bhikkhu Bodhi is a Theravada Monk, I like using both books to learn about the Buddha. I heartily recommend Old Path White Clouds to any newcomer to Zen Buddhism. or to someone like me who want to read about the life of the Buddha but is not a Buddhist. The Kindle edition is inexpensive. Hopefully, the Hardcover will come back into print soon, because this is a book I would read more than once.

Thich Nhat Hanh's artistry in storytelling breathes life into the pages, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. Each chapter unveils the wisdom of the Buddha with exquisite prose, making it a transformative read that lingers in the heart long after the last page. Truly, a literary gem that nourishes the spirit.

The text is beautiful and seems to show the author is deeply spiritual and a dedicated student of Buddhist teachings. These teachings are expounded in simple language and shown in the context of the life of the Buddha's family, friends, and the people changed by his wisdom and compassion during the decades he lead a community of monks. A person of any background can benefit from reading them. As the Buddha says, "Do not be hasty to believe a thing even if everyone repeats it, or even if it is written in holy scripture or spoken by a teacher revered by the people. Accept only those things that accord with your own reason, things that the wise and virtuous support, things that in practice bring benefit and happiness."But I also want to emphasize some more mundane qualities of this book. The language is extremely pleasant to read. Very direct and well-paced; and as simple as possible, but not simpler than that. After finishing the book, I immediately began reading it again, and I frequently return to it whenever I'm feeling angry or hopeless. It never fails to calm and inspire me.In addition to the excellent subject matter and writing, the formatting is the best of any Kindle book I've seen. The gorgeous pictures are properly inserted in the text, chapters and paragraphs are flawlessly displayed, and I haven't found a single typographical error.

This book is written with great love and understanding of the Buddha with compassion for the reader. It presents a beginning point for understanding Buddha's path to enlightenment and his teaching mission in life. The book represents a much better account than other books on the subject of the teachings and how to approach the fundamental understanding of the message being conveyed. Both my wife and I found this book an excellent source to actually document the step by step progression of the Buddha during his entire life. The book also provides an understanding of why and how the base of the disciples grew so quickly. The book provides perspective and is offered in plain and understandable terms. It should be read in sips and not gulps. Time should be spent in contemplation, because the depth of expression requires personal reflection. Unlike Karen Armstrong's history of the Buddha, this book in a primer for the understanding of what enlightenment means to the Buddhist. Once you "get it" you will have a beginning point to explore the more complex depths that the book presents. Red Pine's books on the diamond sutra and heart sutra provide significantly more depth for delving into the actual mental process of establishing meaning beyond the definition.With that said, this is the most complete account of the life and teachings of the Buddha I have read. It is written from a perspective of love and compassion. It does not glorify the Buddha but simply states the things that were and are the teachings and life of Buddha. The message is for you to begin your own reflections and arrive at a better personal understanding of what is real and what is not real. The book helped firm up my perspective on the Buddha's teaching. The book represented an excellent beginning point to pull together my understanding of the Buddha before becoming confused by the complexities of the detail Sutra's and sermons. One thing that is derived, practice is a constant even for the Buddha over many lifetimes.

O maravilhoso Thich Nhat Hanh fez um trabalho de pesquisa intenso e profundo e escreveu a história de Buda de uma forma muito acessível para quem, como eu, está buscando os ensinamentos do maior dos mestres.

Absolutely a must read to experience the deep compassion of the Tathagatha and Thay!

Great book with lots of meaning and an easy read. Learn about the buddha and his journey into enlightenment and a great spiritual leader.

I'm still in the process of reading this, though I bought it months ago, but I flip it open every breakfast to read one or two chapters, to start my day with inspiration. I love the way the story of the Buddha's life has been rendered so simply. Though the events took place thousands of years ago, the modern telling and the seemingly contemporary ways in which the people interact make it easy to apply the teachings to one's own life. I am inspired by these teachings and I am also entertained and enthralled. Thank you, Teacher, for sharing.

This is probably my favorite book in the world. It's almost written as if it were a fairy tale, but it's anything but a fairy tale!Thich Nhat Hanh has written it in a way that you feel as if you are actually walking next to the Buddha. You can almost feel his energy, hear his words. Absolutely magnificent!