A renowned Buddhist master digs into the idea of interdependency--the very core of the Buddha's teachings.

Under the Bodhi Tree takes us back to the principles at the heart of Buddha's teachings--conditionality and dependent coarising. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu makes the case for dependent coarising as a natural law, and from there builds a compelling presentation of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice. Basing himself squarely on the Buddha's own words as preserved in the Pali Canon, he brings clarity and simplicity to what is typically a thorny philosophical knot. By returning dependent coarising to its central place in Buddhist theory and practice, Buddhadasa provides perspective on the Buddha's own insights and awakening.

Under the Bodhi Tree is another excellent entry from one of the most renowned Buddhist thinkers of modern times. For students who wish to study further, a companion guide is available from liberationpark.org.

Under the Bodhi Tree: Buddha's Original Vision of Dependent Co-Arising, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Wisdom Publications, 201 pages, $20.95

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Servant of the Buddha) went forth as a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) in 1926, at the age of twenty. After a few years of study in Bangkok, which convinced him �purity is not to be found in the big city,� he was inspired to live intimately with nature in order to investigate Buddha-Dhamma in study and practice. Thus, he established Suan Mokkhabalarama (The Grove of the Power of Liberation) in 1932 near his hometown of Pum Riang (now in Chaiya District). At that time, it was the only forest Dhamma Center and one of the few places dedicated to vipassana meditation in Southern Thailand. Word of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, his work, and Suan Mokkh spread over the years so that they are easily described as �one of the most influential events of Buddhist history in Siam.� Here, we can only mention some of the most interesting services he has rendered Buddhism.

CONTENTS: Under the Bodhi Tree
Translators Preface and Acknowledgments		ix
1.	Buddhism Is Natural Truth	1
2.	Independently Investigating Causes and Conditions	9
3.	Training in Direct Experience of Freedom	19
4.	Beyond Positive and Negative	27
5.	The Natural Law of Conditionally	35
6.	Conquering Ignorance, Selfishness, and Superstition	43
7.	Dependent Co-arising: Birth into Suffering	51
8.	Dimensions and Streams of Dependent Co-arising	57
9.	Dependent Co-arising for Children	67
10.	Three Existences Are the Basis of Self	75
11.	Heavens and Hells	85
12.	Damming the Screams of Suffering	93
13.	Dependent Quenching	101
14.	Training Mindfulness through Mindfulness with Breathing	111
15.	Dependent Co-arising Controversies	123
16.	The Beginning and End of Spiritual Life	133
A Guide to Source Texts for Under the Bodhi Tree		141
Notes		159
Glossary		169
Bibliography		187
Further Reading		189
Index		191
About the Author		197