Old Path White Clouds - Walking In The Footsteps Of The Buddha

Old Path White Clouds presents the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit and Chinese sources. Retold by Thay Thich Nhat Hanh at his inimitably beautiful style, the book traces the Buddha's life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti (buffalo boy who was later admitted in the order of the Sangha) and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself.

"I have not avoided including the various difficulties the Buddha encountered, both from his disciples and in relation to the wider society. If the Buddha appears in this book as a man close to us, it is partly due to the recounting of these difficulties." ~ Thay Thich Nhat Hanh

An immensely beautifully written book about the Buddha's life and teachings. Nothing written in the book was overly mystical or supernatural but it was whole-hearted attempt by Thay to bring the Buddha across as a human being that lived among us. A human who faced difficulties not so unlike those that we face today and how he overcame it with wisdom and compassion.

Although it's more than 500 pages in length but the book simply does not bore (i speak from my experience as i've read it twice). Written in a very simple and humble way, the book will be an easy read for most people. For those who seek to have a basic but clear understanding of the Buddha's life and teachings, this is a highly recommended book.

Many a times, i've found myself with moist eyes. Filled with a simple sense of joy and wonder as i read situations in the book describing how the people are transformed with love and compassion. Like myself, i'm sure it will touch most readers as they read this book, a book of the human ability to love and empathise. =)