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

Ajahn Buddhadasa (1906-1993) is perhaps the most influential Buddhist teacher in the history of Thailand. In 1932 he founded Wat Suan Mokkhablarama, one of the first forest monasteries in Thailand. During his lifetime he was given 8 honorary doctorates by Thai universities. Since the 1960s his work helped inspire a new generation of socially concerned individuals both in Thailand and throughout the world.

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