What the Buddha Never Taught by Tim Ward

What the Buddha Never Taught by Tim Ward

In What the Buddha Never Taught, Canadian author and journalist Tim Ward takes readers on a captivating journey deep into the jungle of northeastern Thailand, where he spent a season in Pah Nanachat, one of the strictest Theravada Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia. This monastery, home to a mix of Eastern and Western monks, adheres to the ancient 2,500-year-old tradition of the Buddha’s original teachings. With humor, curiosity, and insight, Ward chronicles his initiation into monastic life, exploring the challenges of meditation, asceticism, and spiritual growth in this remote jungle setting.

Ward introduces readers to an eclectic group of fellow seekers, including an ex-American real estate millionaire, a quirky Englishman searching for enlightenment, a New Zealand doctor fascinated by death, and other Western aspirants drawn to the monastery’s demanding discipline. Through their interactions and struggles, What the Buddha Never Taught explores themes of faith, suffering, Karma, enlightenment, and the complexities of daily monastic life. This memoir is a fascinating, often humorous look at the search for spiritual meaning in an ancient tradition that continues to resonate with modern seekers.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

You’ll love What the Buddha Never Taught for its candid, insightful, and often humorous portrayal of life in a strict Buddhist monastery. Tim Ward’s engaging storytelling brings to life the experiences of both Eastern and Western monks navigating the rigorous demands of Theravada Buddhism. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of spiritual practice, filled with rich conversations about death, suffering, Karma, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Readers interested in Buddhism, meditation, or cross-cultural spiritual journeys will find this memoir both enlightening and entertaining.