This book is a clarity, depth and an impressive practicality. It contains lots of information, which should be read slowly -and reread, in my opinion. Its author is specifically oriented to the tradition of the Monks of the Forest (from Thailand) that combine a contemplative lifestyle and very simple, oriented towards reflection and meditation, with a pragmatic approach and directly applied the teachings of Buddha .
This book covers a lot in little more than 200 pages, but it treats the heart of the matter with great finesse. Including translations indicate multiple meanings (and connotations) hiding under the Pali words and have too often reduced to a narrower sense in other translations commonly found. A new richness of meaning emerges from these explanations. (MH Dufour also wrote a Pali-French dictionary, and his interest in the accuracy of vocabulary and concepts spring here).
Here we do not share in large cosmic or metaphysical explanations (Shakyamuni did not encourage anyway), no philosophical or speculative generalizations, no esoteric or hidden things (Shakyamuni said anyway he kept nothing hidden in the clenched fist of the master). No heaviness on devotional and ritual practices, which are returned to their rightful place .. There is a focus on the essentials, on an authentic practical and true to the spirit of the early teachings of Buddha.
There where great intelligence, always a pragmatic side (practice-oriented), great clarity, together with a sharp intellectual requirement. The path is shown simply and rationally. The concepts used for the tag are universal. But so far, what is simple is not always easy: it is a path is long and demanding.
This book is now one of my favorite books, next to The Buddha's teaching from the earliest texts of Walpola Rahula.
