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

Thich Nhat Hanh is arguably the best author of Buddhist literature. In Old Path, White Clouds he tells the life story of Lord Buddha. Old Path, White Clouds doesn't distract readers with a lot of the mythology or mysticism. Instead Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. What makes this work is Thich Nhat Han's writing style. He really draws you into the story and makes you feel like you were actually there. Although the book is almost 600 pages long, it is a very easy read and it may leave you wishing for more. I know that was the case for me. If you are only going to get one book on Buddhism, this is the one to get.

With our complicated modern minds, "Old Path, White Clouds," serves as a refreshing antidote. Thich Nat Hanh presents the life of the Buddha in his characterstic down to Earth style that reveals the simplicity of the Buddha's path and teachings. His original intent to depict the Buddha's human-ness is well founded, for all too often the path of enlightenment is adorned with extravagant philosophy and idealism. But the true path, as Thich Nat Hanh artfully displays, is essentially simple. We find difficulty because we over intellectualize our world. But there is hope. The essence of "Old Path, White Clouds" consists in the fact that we are all Buddha, we just have to wake up and realize it. For some reason we think that we have been separated from the dharmakaya (true body of all phenomena) and now have to somehow find our way back. Ultimately, we are already there--an important point to understand both in Buddhism and in our general lives. Thich Nat Hanh beautifully explores this in depicting Buddha's life. It was a book I never wanted to put down, and felt after finishing it that it could have gone on forever and still retained its unbridled brilliance. Rarely do I find books which are as enriching as this one has been.

I may be biased, I have read many books on the Buddha and the Dharma in my life and I find Thich Nhat Hanh's writing style and poetic flow to be the greatest in all of Buddhism. I recommend all of his books, they all are most excellent. In Old Path White Clouds we find a simple masterpiece, much like practicing the Dharma itself. This book is the history of the Buddha's life and the begining of the practice he started. It is excellent in both its approchablity and powerful message. This book is worth every penny, buy it and improve your life.

The life of Buddha and his teachings are intervowen splendidly in this wonderful book. The author manages to convey much using a very plain and simple style of writing. One also gets a sense of the subtle social and institutional changes that Buddhism underwent during Buddha's life time. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to learn about Buddha and Buddhism.

This is a beautiful book. It's very easy to read, and tells a wonderful story filled with meaning and significance. I found it very hard to put down, and on numerous occasions, burst out into tears at the sheer beauty and wisdom of it. If you want to find out more about buddhism, this is a good way to go. Non-intimidating, it tells a story, not expecting you to know anything, but taking you along it's path effortlessly. It will highlight the basic principles with ease, without confusing you with terminology, ritual or rules. A definite keeper! Once I'm done reading it through for the first time, I'll go back to highlight passages and refer to it on a regular basis.

This book was recommended by my friend who is a monk in Thailand.
Said, you will see our Budda in a form of "Ordinary man". And yes, i saw the same. This is new dimension to me.

I feel the Buddha by my side... Listening to his words, calmness rises within. Through the forests, sharing with the people of a time not so long ago and not so far away... The disciple's search becomes your own as truth grows with love, peace, and freedom from misery. Thich Nhat Hanh sings through the Buddha, freed of the chains of Dogma, and reveals him as a true living human being who continues to change the world by sharing the secrets of inner transformation.

This book rates well alongside Arnold's 'Light of Asia'. It tells a more complete story of the Buddha's life and achievements, and clarifies some points about the teachings. With the companion book, 'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching' the student and the adept both can gain valuable insight into The Buddha and His life. Well worth reading.

The life of Buddha and his teachings are intervowen splendidly in this wonderful book. The author manages to convey much using a very plain and simple style of writing. One also gets a sense of the subtle social and institutional changes that Buddhism underwent during Buddha's life time. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to learn about Buddha and Buddhism.

My deepest gratitude to Thich Nhat Hanh and all those who have helped him to bring this book to light.