|
May 2, 2005
After I finished reading ?A Handful of Leaves? and ?The User Guide to Life?, I found that Supawan Green writing is very powerful and has touched me profoundly. She introduces the noble subject ?The Ultimate Truth? in simple and friendly terms that laypersons without much Buddhism knowledge are able to understand clearly. Using the current life issues as metaphor makes the difficult subject ?The Four Foundations of Awareness? look simple and practical. Her books give me a great deal of encouragement to follow the path to the ultimate happiness from seeing the ultimate truth. Supawan Green has convinced me that everyone is capable of practicing the four foundations of awareness and reach the ultimate happiness that is the best available option in life. She offers hope and clear direction on how to reach the ultimate happiness.
I strongly recommend Supawan?s books to anyone who wants to reach the ultimate happiness in life. The path is available and reachable. From one of the statements in ?The User Guide to Life?, she said ?If the ultimate truth is not right where you are, where do you think you can find it??
Dr. Supranee Wang
Senior Cost Analyst
Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.
Westerville, Ohio. USA
E-mail: supranee@earthlink.net
2 May 2005
I am a 53-year-old Englishman, and I have been living in Thailand for the past twelve years. The main reason I choose to do so is because I have been a Buddhist for more than twenty years. I have always been an avid reader and have read and owned many Dharma books in both the Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. I personally try to practise the Theravada Buddhism with particular emphasis on Vipassana meditation. I first came across the books by Supawan Green a couple of years ago and was immediately struck by how different they were. I searched for and read all her works that I could find, and since most of them are written both in English and Thai I also read the Thai versions too. After making contact with Supawan via e-mail I was put on her mailing list and so received many of the letters she wrote to her past and present students, answering their
questions and giving advice when problems occurred in their personal practise. Now they are all available on her website to anyone who is interested. I can state that without a shadow of doubt I am convinced that Supawan has achieved the goal which all Buddhists are striving for..... Enlightenment! All my past study and practise has given me enough wisdom to be able to judge this from reading her works. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet Supawan personally, and although She has not made any such claims or boasts in her writing, it is easy for those travelling the same path as her to determine her progress from her references to details of her own practise, and by the authority and wisdom she displays in all of her works. There may be other authors 'equally' qualified to write about the way to enlightenment, but there are none 'more' qualified. If we wish to make a journey to a place we have not been to, we would all rather take advice from one who has completed the same journey that we are on and actually been there, rather than one who, although in possession of more information than ourselves about the journey, has yet to get there. People like to flock to monks who are 'supposed' to have achieved holiness, but one can never know for sure. Such a one would never boast about any achievements, and in fact would be forced to disrobe were he to do so, whether it were true or not. Supawan is not under any such restrictions, because she is not a monk and is not ordained, but although she does not seek fame or fortune or glory, she knows that many people would be more inclined to listen to her teachings if they were convinced of her authenticity. What makes Supawan really unique is the fact that she has been living in England for the past twenty-five years, as a housewife and mother. Most Dharma books are written by Buddhists for the consumption of Buddhists and some knowledge of Buddhism, the life of the Buddha and the Buddhist scriptures is necessary to understand the terms and references. Many people in the west, particularly the young, have turned away from the traditional religions, finding no solace and help to guide them in our modern world's complex times. Supawan has been teaching tai-chi to university students for several years, and using it as a way to have them practise vipassana meditation without them realising it. Once they make progress and 'see' the results for themselves she can then allow them to realise that they have been practising Buddhist meditation all along. With this background and her having teenage sons of her own, Supawan is able to put the Buddha's teachings into a more modern and easily understandable language, which non-Buddhists and Buddhists alike can grasp. Supawan's command of the English language is remarkable, but then she is no longer restricted by ordinary knowledge and ordinary wisdom. I believe that once one becomes one with the universe, then universal knowledge comes to one. I like to compare it with a single computer..... knowledge or data is fed into it from discs (reading = secondhand knowledge) or by typing in at the keyboard (personal experience)........................... but one who achieves universal knowledge is like that same computer being connected to the internet! Supawan has never strived for any personal gain from all the years of hard work, but like all great beings with an altruistic compassion, hopes that if
one person is assisted to achieve the same freedom then it will all have
been worth it. I can now put away all the other books, which were only striving to teach the same as her, but in a less simple and understandable way.....
Fabian Frederick Blandford
Fang, ChiangMai, Thailand
E-mail: fred_blandford@hotmail.com
May 10, 2005
I have known Supawan since I started taking her Taichi and meditation class at The University of Birmingham in 2001 while I was doing my Ph.D. Since I was a mature student and we both are Chinese, we got to know each other more than just teacher and student relationship; we became friends. I have learnt through her teaching, her books and our conversation. I admire her persistence and dedication towards her Buddhist practice through her 17 years of life as a housewife and a part-time Taichi teacher. Supawan is a successful Vipassana practitioner; she has set herself a good example for all of us. Everyone has a Buddhahood?s seedling in their heart; everyone can achieve their own ?Nirvana? as long as they keep on practising Vipassana. If you want to know how to achieve your inner peace, Supawan?s books can offer you the guidance.
Dr. Jianhui Xoung
Microbiologist
The University of Birmingham
E-mail: jianhui_x@yahoo.com
I always love to read words of the wise and the experienced. To me, it seems Khun Supawan?s writings are one of those works I love to read. She had made the explanation of Vipassana with clear exemplification rarely found in traditional works. Many terms are also simplified so I got new useful aspects in my Vipassana practicing. Plus, Khun Supawan?s achievement as a layperson that has known the ultimate truth has boosted my morale and diligence to follow suit to a greater degree. For seekers of spiritual freedom, I think this is like an oasis where you can quench your thirst as well as get a map for the shortcut route.
Somsiri Pramudwinai, MBA, MA
Small business owner
There are so many positive things that I'm able to say regarding Sue's class and her writing that I'm unsure where to begin. Since attending my first class 15 months ago my life has changed dramatically. As a student, I faced the usual pressures that young people face. Like most people, I found it very easy to escape from my problems through drink and drugs, completely unaware of what it was that I was hiding from.By attending Sue's class and through regular meditation I have become more aware of myself, my true self, that is the part which most people miss in the hectic pace of their lives. Through learning the simple technique of concentrating on one's breathing and movement life is a lot more peaceful and I'm able to feel a calmness and serenity, which other things did not bring. I now live in the moment, as opposed to rushing around trying to do one thing whilst thinking of another and find that my concentration has improved greatly. Whatever your age, race or profession, Sue's teachings are right for you. That is the wonder of her class. You don't have to be a certain type of person or have certain problems to benefit from her wisdom, the skills that she teaches are universal and everyone can benefit. By simply devoting a little time to meditation life will change for the better. Put simply, you will feel calmer, happier and at peace. Isn't that what we're all striving for! Sue's class has brought magic into my life and has shown me the difference between living and simply existing. For that I am externally grateful.
Elen Evans [student]
Supawan Green is a most gifted writer, not only are her words sculpted with clarity and vision but they truly reflect the Dhamma; without ambiguity or unskilful agendas. Supawan manages to convey the Dhamma in a way that is very sympathetic to lay people and people of other faiths, using parables we can all relate to. I found Supawans' writing style to be candid, fluid, non judgemental, easy & enjoyable to read. If you really want to improve your life and help the whole world too,
read Supawan Greens writings.
Metta
Mr Glenn P Lawrence - BA Hon, Legal Advisor
I was given A Handful of Leaves and The User Guide to Life by a friend who attends Supawan's Tai Chi class in Birmingham. I had not really encountered Buddhism before and certainly had not considered the possibility of leading a life that encompassed Buddhist values and ideals. Many things I read about in ?A Handful of Leaves? struck a chord within me and I realised that what Supanwan was writing about could only be the truth. I have found her books to be a great inspiration and I know that because of them my life has changed as I now have a sense of spiritual direction, something that was lacking before. I would encourage anyone to read her work because she explains a complex subject with great clarity, therefore making it accessible to anyone, no matter who you are.
Sarah Henderson. Piano Teacher.
BA Hons RSAMD, M.Mus.
My name is Justin Mills. I am an Executive Recruitment Consultant in the IT and Technologies sector. I met Sue 10 years ago as a student at Birmingham University. I studied Tai Chi and meditation with Sue during my studies and for some time after leaving university before moving back to my home area. Sue was able to offer a user friendly guide to practising meditation through Chinese Health Exercises and also through Buddhist approaches. She always succeeded in identifying the essence of the teachings // practices and
conveying these in concepts and terms appropriate to Western minds. Indeed she helped me to realise that my "Western Mindset" is not a permanent immutable way of seeing the world but just another set of values,
perceptions, judgements and often barriers, something that can be turned off to allow a true mind to perceive the world innocently without value judgements and attachments. This is one of the great gifts offered to me, one that I have been given to carry with me through this life and something that I can use whenever I feel
low, stressed or just simply want to relax and enjoy life. I may not practice everyday and certainly won't be reaching Nirvana this lifetime, but benefit greatly from having been introduced to this practice. I am very grateful to Sue and hope that as many people as possible have the chance to accept this gift that she is offering.
Justin Mills
Consultant
Board, Executive & Interim Recruitment
Career Transition & Outplacement
Coaching & Mentoring
Individual & Organisational Development
For a long time I tried to understand how meditation could help me in my daily life. Books failed to explain me how to achieve peace and understanding of my true self because they were too complicated and were full of the things that meditation tries to eradicate. Thanks to Sue's teachings I finally understood how to get rid of unnecessary thoughts and how to perceive my true
self and the world as they are. Her technique is so simple and effective than anyone can meditate immediately and improve their well-being. I hope my impression can help other people. I really appreciate how easy you have made your teachings and your patience.
Belem Vasquez
P.h.D student in Economics
University of Birmingham
Dear Supawan,
I am writing to give some feedback on your meditation course that I have been taking this semester. I was very eager to do anything that might aid stress relief this year as I am in my final year and therefore am constantly
swamped with work as I prepare for my exams. I am the sort of person to always laugh off my problems and stresses and pretend they don't exist or go for a beer to forget them but doing your class has made me realise how cluttered my mind is at the moment and how difficult it is for me to find a moments peace in my hectic lifestyle. Since I started your class I have been trying to take a short amount of time every week to practice the techniques so I can recognise my problems and learn to keep them from attacking me. I realise that it is a very slow process and I think I'm still a long way from
achieving the fourth stage of self-awareness but at least now I have a better idea of my goal and will work toward it without allowing stress to get the better of me. I have enjoyed reading the emails you've sent me and would be grateful if you could continue to send me any information and reading material you think might interest me.
Thanks a lot
Liz Elliman
Jamal?s comment on Sue?s class Commenting on Supawan?s classes either as feedback for her or in an attempt to explain it to other people quickly turns into praise as a means of expressing gratitude towards her.
Thanking Sue face to face for the knowledge she had imparted in itself is something that I am sure Sue would not accept anyway, because the base of natural normality she highlights in her lessons are indeed something quite personal and subjective to each person, something beyond. I can though and will thank her for her dedication and perseverance in teaching us aspects of life that even though they are right in front of us, still remain profoundly ?hidden? especially in our western eyes. Supawan is teaching and bringing our attention to something so natural and blindingly easy and simple. To our classically scientific minds that tends to over complicate things, making an attempt to perceive ?the innocent perception? as Supawan puts it, goes the opposite way. ?The innocent perception? is not a set of the concepts understood only by professors of academic or autistic ?rain men?, but it is a suggestion towards something so basic and natural that we take it for granted. We need teachers and inspired people to relate these kinds of basic ideas to curb the spiral of negativity we are embrace on: fuelled by ideas brought by anti-intellectualism in denying the need for a teacher and forming opinions on the scant knowledge that we have.
As a Muslim, I am familiar with the danger posed by those who ignore the years of study and dedication that scholars lay into the passionate fields of expertise. They feel that they can get by on relying on what they are familiar with and not actively seeking ?knowledge?, a concept explicitly stated in the Koran as ?men of understanding?. Indeed, many of the concepts that Supawan impart are very analogous to Islamic thought. The bandits that tempt you in craving or laziness, the idea of Jerry, the mouse, coming into your house, attacking Tom and sending you into a physical and mental frenzy, remind me of Shaitan (similar to the Christians? satan ? but devoid of real power). These similarities are also the conclusion that the prophet Mohamed reached. The prophet is known to have said ?don?t rush haste is from Shaitan?. It is Supawan?s expertise in her field of knowledge, which enables her to reflect a distinctive guideline of practice such as the 4 foundations of awareness or returning to the four homes ? a simple meditation skill leading to the innocent perception. It is also very similar to the Islamic prayer. Prayer is a typically physical endeavor on the surface and does provide platform to know your movements. With the prostration, the kneeling, the ablutions and the purification, these movements provide a home for sensational awareness too. They are recommended by the prophet to be mindfully focused on. Without the awareness towards those movements during prayers, the same act would be declared void. Indeed many Muslim through the century have known how to practice prayer by declaring one null of emotion and thought. Fathers and mothers who have heard of the death of their sons and daughters or any bad news would immediately experience a need to pray. They would calmly perform the ablution and pray, conversing with Allah, devoid of thoughts and feelings. The melting of the individual into ?the innocent world? (the 4th foundation or the 4th home) happening when devoid of thoughts and feelings (Jerry) as we do in Sue?s Tai chi class can be analogized to the very meaning of the word ?Islam?. A direct translation is difficult but it can be approximated to ?submission?, rooted in the word ?slam? meaning peace (hence the Islamic greeting). I would urge everybody with any desire either to probe the realms of simplicity, or any spiritual inclination, to at least read through Sue?s book to gain an insight into what she said. This is the knowledge that should be actively sought by us all.
Dear Sue,
Firstly, I would like to say how much of a difference your classes have made to me. I have been practicing, although not as often as I would like to. I have been trying not to "drift", some days it is easier than others and the overall affect that this has had on my mental well being has been remarkable. Secondly, I would like to apologise for the classes that I unfortunately missed. A family crisis that has flung itself upon me, you know how life does, has taken some of my time away. However, your classes and my practicing have helped me to deal with these problems with more clarity and resolve. Lastly but definitely not leastly, I would like to thank you for your expert and friendly tuition. Your classes have been the highlight of my weeks and I can't wait to enrol again next term. I hope that you have a lovely Easter break and that you remain happy and well.
Kindest regards,
John.
Dr. John D. O'Neil
Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
B15 2TT
Dear Sue
Words can never be enough to thank you for all you
have done in my life. I have never been the same
again since I got to know the innocent perception.
Yes, there was time when I lost my patience. I tried to
pretend that I had never heard about it but then deep down within that unfathomable doubt of my heart, there was always a small voice that kept telling me where I had to look for solutions to all my problems ? Vipassana practice. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.
Love,
Abanseka Sylvester
P O box 1413 Limbe
SWP
Cameroon
I have been to Sue's meditation and Tai Chi blend classes two terms in a row and have found them immensely useful to help me cope with the anxiety of being in the final year. In the first year my parents split up and in the second year I had a really painful break-up with my boyfriend so by the third year of being at university I decided that I needed some help to cope with the stress of university life! After going to Sue's classes and practising what she taught me at home I started to have a lot more control over what I was thinking and feeling. I realised that I didn't have to put up with these feelings of being overwhelmed or upset; I had the ability to gain perspective and see them as something I could conquer. I've just handed in my dissertation and thanks to Sue, it was a relatively stress-free experience because I was able to see the bigger picture and this gave me the ability to approach it in a calm manner rather than completely stressing out like I used to. Thank you so much for keeping me motivated to make meditation become a part of my everyday life; it really has made a difference.
Kathryn
Student of Birmingham University
Supawan's books reflect the enthusiasm and superb clarity that she also brings to her Tai Chi classes. Supawan deals with issues that relate importantly and directly to people, via the lessons available in eastern philosophy, culture and religion. Her books have the strength of her beliefs and learning and have the happy knack of making these things readily available to readers who have no prior knowledge of eastern spirituality.?
Phil Croft
At first I attended Supawan's Tai Chi class partly out of interest but mainly to keep a friend company. After only a few short weeks my indifference turned to intrigue. Supawan's teaching of the Four Foundations through the movements of Tai Chi is both unique and unbiased allowing people to experience for themselves a sense of
stillness. If only these classes were available to everyone the world over! However, at least people can experience the next best thing through her writings. I would strongly encourage Waterstone's Booksellers to stock Supawan's books for this reason.
Sarah
To whom it may concern
I am writing in support of Supawan Green whose books I am pleased to have found. At present I am working in the south of Thailand and of course surrounded by Buddhists. I have started to read several different books about Buddhism but never got far because they were too complicated or too difficult to relate to. Supawan has the advantage of having lived in the United Kingdom for some time, which helps make her writing more accessible. The language used in her books is concise and easy to relate to. It took me some time to find her latest book here in Thailand where the number of English language books is limited but I did find it, I would have expected to find it in any good bookshop in the United Kingdom.
Louise Gee
Dear Sir/Madam,
I strongly urge you to consider stocking the following titles in your store: 'The User Guide to Life', 'Can a Caterpillar Be Perfect' and ' A Handful of Leaves' all written by Supawan P. Panawong Green.
I am personally acquainted with the author as I have been attending her Tai Chi meditation classes for some three years now. In these classes I have been lucky enough to receive the knowledge and acquire the skills of meditation in a very direct manner from a teacher who teaches in her own unique style, and has done for many years, developed from her own personal experiences. The three books Supawan has written are in my opinion a very successful attempt by a non-academic, non-native English speaker to put into words what she has been teaching to students in her classes. Not only does she explain in clear and accessible language, she also provides effective metaphors and comparisons and simple meditation techniques which help to enhance the better understanding of this knowledge within the context of the Buddhist traditions and beliefs. After all, it is the wisdom of the Buddha that is being discussed. However I must stress that while Supawan's knowledge is rooted in her Thai Buddhist background, her goal in her work since she came to the West has been to find ways of passing on her knowledge in such a manner that it may benefit and appeal to people of all faiths and cultures. It is through her comparisons of different faiths and references to contemporary culture and societies along with her non-authoritative, non-dogmatic style that these works gain their broad appeal. These books are the most valuable contribution to the literature on this subject as they are not simply the voice of another male monk reciting the Buddhist canon but the result of a deeply personal journey of self-discovery by one simple woman who has committed her life to the pursuit and dissemination of the most profound knowledge.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Iain Armstrong
Part-time lecturer in Music University College Northampton and
University of Birmingham
PhD Research in Musical Composition, University of Birmingham
I think it is very rare to have found a teacher of tai chi and Buddhism after my initial interest was sparked on a visit to Thailand. Supawan has enabled the development of this interest through a guidance process. Not inflicting her thoughts but sharing her ideas. I never realised how many questions I had until I started reading the answers in Supawan?s books.
Steph Poulton
University of Birmingham
I believe Waterstones should stock Supawan Green?s books. I have has first hand experience of the author?s enthusiastic teaching style in her Tai chi qi gong classes. I find her books to be a very useful companion to further study concepts introduced in these classes. She has developed a very palatable way of introducing Buddhist concept even to non-religious people by her use of simple analogy in the classes and her books.
Dr. Amit P. Mehrohra
School of Chemical Sciences
University of Birmingham
My name is Annette and I also attend Supawan Greens Tai Chi class. It was actually through my sister Diana that I went to this class and I am so glad that I did. I feel Tai chi has taught me to stay calmer and to be more relaxed with myself through doing the breathing and gentle movements. It is strange that now I can calm down sooner than I would have before doing Tai chi whether I am at home or at work and feeling tense. Supawan talks to us throughout the lesson, as she doesn?t let us drift, which helps us to meditate easier. I would like to thank her for her knowledge.
Annette
Office Clark
My name is Diana and I have been going to Tai chi for 12 weeks, it is something that I have wanted to do for some time. Since going my experience of Tai chi has improved the way I look and feel about things in general. Stress is very much part of our life, 24 hours seems not enough in a day as there are so much to do and not enough time to do it. This is where stress overtakes and anger builds up inside. Tai chi has made myself feel more relaxed and calmer, I feel it is getting to know oneself within and handle situations easier than I would have before experiencing Tai chi. I also feel the teacher has a big influence on how quick you progress, Supawan Green our tutor keeps me home from start to finish.
Diana
A housewife
Supawan?s course has been an important spiritual compass for me during the past two years. I?ve discovered a way of cutting across the pressures of student life to a refuge of calm and perspective. In the same way, Supawan?s books are invaluable guides to positive thinking as a means to positive living. Our whole culture is based on the view that the world is understood through the thinking apparatus, rather than through the silent mind. You have to learn to reduce your ?problem? into something that is called unhappiness and deal with it as a whole.
Amy
Student of Birmingham University
There is one truth. Whatever we call it: Heaven, The Other Side, The Better Side, it remains the ultimate goal of all religions. We all hope to get to that truth some day. It takes several routes to attain this one destination but over the years, Sue Green has shown to us that they all lead to the one ultimate truth. By following the prescribed method, or the four foundations of awareness, Sue takes us to the world once shadowed and reserved for a few selected people. Sue proves to us that the Buddha's path is open to every body and is also the best way to get to that ultimate goal of life. She also gives an insight on how Tai chi and Qui Gong can help us to get closer to that truth. So whether we are die hard Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, or Jews, we can work towards the ultimate goal even in a non-religious manner. And for those who still don?t have peace within, Sue?s books give great insight on how a few good steps could change a lot in your life forever.
Masong Tarkang
Student from Cameroon
16 May 2005
I remember the moment I learned that Khun Supawan wanted to get her books published in the UK. It was the moment of mix feelings; mostly ?hopelessness? because I know that, as an unknown foreign author, to get a book published in the UK is like winning a round trip ticket to the moon. But it was also the moment of a strange ?knowing? feeling that this was the way things were meant to be. In that moment of hopelessness, there was still a tiny ray of hope, a believe rather, that Khun Supawan?s books would eventually get published somehow. For Khun Supawan, whom I believe to possess no desire for fame or fortune for herself, to be driven (by her husband?s redundancy) to get her books out in the open, is not by a random chance. I believe that these books are destined to be published for the greater benefit to the broader mass ? the so called ?searching souls? in the western world. My belief ? that Khun Supawan?s books will be published ? though it seems like a blind faith, is based on key facts that her books are of a very rare and distinct quality. I have read 3 of Khun Supawan?s books; The user guide to life part 1, and part 2, and Aud Uta ri manusatham (Eureka! I Know It?). Plus several of her articles in her website. The most striking character of her writing is the down to earth, true to life, and easy to understand language. She has completed the most difficult task: to simplify the core essences of Buddhism and make it easy for everyone to digest. see that, generally, books on Buddhism in the western market can be classified into 3 types:
1)
|
