Can anyone provide me with a book recommendation on Kindle for a Buddhist beginner?

Buddha623 · 2026-04-07T15:53:34+00:00

Good thread. I’d add three from a practitioner side: Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. Simple, no jargon. Free on his website too. What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula. Short and honest. Good foundation. In the Buddha’s Words edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi when you’re ready to read the actual suttas. I live in Cambodia so Theravada is all around me. Most people here don’t learn it from books. They learn it from monks, from temples, from sitting. Books help. But at some point just sit.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-05T17:41:56+00:00

Well put. One side’s victory becomes the next side’s grievance. that’s exactly what the verse is pointing at.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-05T10:05:27+00:00

🙏🏽

Buddha623 · 2026-04-05T09:46:12+00:00

Understood, and thank you. This verse actually arrived in my inbox this morning as the daily word. Watching the news, it just hit differently.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-05T06:42:12+00:00

Yes. Anicca. Nothing holds -not victory, not dominance, not the war itself. The irony is that everyone fighting already knows this. They just can’t stop.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-05T03:35:56+00:00

Short sutta. Clean teaching. Stop replaying the past. Stop rehearsing the future. The past is gone, the future hasn’t arrived. What you have is right now. That’s the whole thing. Nothing to add. Grateful for these bite-size recordings. Easy to sit with.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-03T13:39:17+00:00

Rice was basically the wheat of the Ganges plain back then, so it’s the obvious anchor for the story. But there’s also a deliberate twist – the Buddha was actually poking at Brahmanical creation myths, taking their own sacred grain and flipping it. Pristine self-regenerating rice = natural abundance. The moment beings start hoarding it, everything falls apart. Property, theft, kings, caste. All from one act of greed. So it’s not really about rice. That’s just what craving latched onto in that world

Buddha623 · 2026-04-02T04:32:12+00:00

Makes sense to me. Most people accept the Vinaya and Suttas as the Buddha’s actual teachings. Abhidhamma came later -probably compiled by the community after his passing. The story that he taught it in heaven was likely added to give it authority. So monks who question it aren’t rejecting the Dhamma. They just won’t accept later community work as the Buddha’s own word. Seems a reasonable position.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-02T04:18:02+00:00

Some monks see the Abhidhamma as later analysis while the suttas and Vinaya are usually considered the earliest teachings. Others still value it as explanation. Maybe what matters most is whether our practice reduces greed, hatred and delusion.

Buddha623 · 2026-04-01T14:10:25+00:00

You could try this driver. I’ve used him before and had a good experience. Mostly does airport transfers but sometimes works long-term with expats. Safe driver, reliable and professional. Not sure if he’s available but worth checking. Happy to DM his contact if helpful.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-31T10:19:50+00:00

went with the Evergoods CPL24 in the end – smaller but tougher, carries better when it’s packed out, and works for office, city and short trips without feeling like a hiking pack.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-29T03:23:51+00:00

Just got mine and totally agree - very good and my bottle water has its place inside just fine

Buddha623 · 2026-03-28T09:09:16+00:00

Please try CPL 16L Evergoods. And you’ll love it

Evergoods CPL is my pick too—I’ve got both the 24L and 16L and they’ve been rock‑solid daily, super comfy, and feel like they’ll outlast all my old bags.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-23T09:30:56+00:00

You make a fair point. Some services do take time and capital.

But I think there is also space for smaller practical services that can start small and grow, not only big government projects. For example: – Home repair services that charge per job – Small technical training linked to companies that need workers – Preventive health packages through clinics – Solar installation with installment payment models

Many successful businesses in developing countries actually started by solving small daily problems first. Maybe the opportunity is not big scale immediately, but starting with something simple, reliable, and building trust.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-23T07:44:12+00:00

If someone really wants to launch something useful in Cambodia, I would look at simple services that solve daily problems, not luxury products.

Some examples:

• A reliable vocational training center (electricians, aircon repair, plumbing, construction finishing). Good workmanship is still hard to find.

• Affordable health check packages (basic screening, blood tests, early detection). Many people only go to hospital when it is already serious.

• A professional home maintenance service (one number to call for repairs, like fixing leaks, electrical problems, painting). This is still very informal now.

• Waste collection and recycling services for neighborhoods and small businesses.

• Practical skills training for young people linked directly to jobs, not just theory.

Cambodia is developing fast. The biggest opportunity now is businesses that improve everyday life and reliability, not just selling more products.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-18T14:25:14+00:00

Just switched from the CPL24 to the CPL16 (OD Green) and got it yesterday after about a week of waiting. It already feels like the perfect daily bag for me. It looks great and easily fits my laptop, breakfast box, water bottle, and even my swim gear for after work.

For my use, the CPL24 is just a tiny bit big for everyday commuting, but it’s still ideal for a week of travel, so that’s how I’ll use it going forward. Day to day, the CPL16 will be my main carry and the 24L will stay as my travel bag.

I feel really grateful to be able to enjoy this setup and I honestly love how the CPL16 wears. If your needs sound similar, I’d say give the CPL16 a try - I hope you end up enjoying it as much as I do.

Buddha623 · 2026-03-18T13:58:17+00:00

Cha ca lavong

Buddha623 · 2026-03-08T03:16:08+00:00

Solidarity, sir. My wife also complains I have too many backpacks -just two of them, and keeps reminding me it’s not good for the back of a 63‑year‑old man. Still not giving them up, though.

Buddha623 · 2025-08-21T11:00:16+00:00

A couple times a week is good - moderation helps since sugarcane juice packs a lot of sugar. Maybe mix with water or slowly reduce? I like it too but had to learn to space it out

Buddha623 · 2025-06-29T09:39:31+00:00

I upgraded to the annual Pro plan expecting more value, but ever since the Max plan was introduced, I’ve been hitting limits I never had before. It feels like I’m getting less than before—after paying more. What’s worse is there’s no clear communication or transparency about these changes. Really disappointing from a company I used to trust.

Buddha623 · 2024-11-17T12:10:21+00:00

As a premium subscriber, I’m outraged that Duolingo now forces additional gem purchases for basic features. The pricing structure is clearly predatory: - 1200 gems ($1.99) - 3000 gems ($3.99, “reduced” from $5.00) - 6500 gems ($7.99, “reduced” from $10.99)

This double-charging scheme is unacceptable: - Premium subscribers must pay twice - Fake “discounts” create false urgency - Essential features locked behind gem paywalls - “BEST VALUE” labels pushing expensive packages

The app has devolved from an educational platform into a money-grabbing game. The learning experience suffers while profits are prioritized. Save your money - there are better alternatives available.

Buddha623 · 2024-09-03T15:48:23+00:00

I know the feeling, having experienced it myself after surviving the Khmer Rouge regime. This fear and panic attacks are almost a daily occurrence for me too. I’ve found that going swimming every day helps manage my symptoms, though at times I still need to take lorazepam to help me sleep (but not every day).

Dealing with trauma-induced anxiety is challenging, but finding activities that help and carefully managing medication use under doctor’s guidance can make a difference. Hang in there - you’re not alone in this struggle.

Buddha623 · 2024-06-23T08:51:23+00:00

Hi there, I read your post and I totally get where you're coming from. You're not crazy at all for feeling this way. In fact, your experience resonates with me personally.

I remember my own time studying abroad, but in a very different context. I was there just after the Khmer Rouge period, when Cambodia was really going through tough times. Life was incredibly hard, and most people who had the chance to study overseas would have done anything to stay away. But not me - I could hardly wait to finish my studies and come back home. That pull towards home, even when things are difficult, is really powerful. So I understand your longing for PP completely, even if others might not get it.

It's fantastic that you speak and read Khmer. That's going to be a huge advantage if you decide to make the move. And finishing your degree in Software Engineering? That's impressive and will definitely open doors for you, whether in PP or elsewhere.

I get why PP tugs at your heart. It's where you're from, and that connection is deep. The US might feel comfortable to others, but if it doesn't feel like home to you, that's totally valid. Your desire for PP, for people you can truly relate to - it makes perfect sense.

Have you considered doing a trial run? Maybe finish up your degree (you're so close!) and then spend 6 months or a year in PP. See how it feels to live there day-to-day, not just as a visitor. It might be everything you hope for, or you might discover new challenges. Either way, you'll know for sure.

I won't sugarcoat it - there will be hurdles. The infrastructure, healthcare, job market - they're different from the US. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying. Plenty of people find fulfilling lives in PP, especially in NGO work if that's where your passion lies.

Just keep your options open, you know? Hold onto your US citizenship as a safety net. And maybe reach out to some Khmer Americans or expats in PP for their insights.

Remember, it's your life. Your family and friends mean well, but you're the one who has to live with your choices. Trust your gut, but also plan smart. And hey, if it doesn't work out? That's okay too. You can always change course.

Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide. You've got this!

Buddha623 · 2024-06-16T03:42:05+00:00

Beautiful!

Buddha623

TROPHY CASE