[hrthwhr]

Thich Nhat Hanh's tradition provided me with spiritual foundations. His books were simple and definitely appealed to my Western mind at the time. With time, however, I found that his teachings are very much the same almost as if he had some kind of repertoire (lotus and mud, no coming - no going etc). He published hundreds of books but I would say that if you read five of them you'll know what TNH has to say.

I went to Plum Village too, and even though I was a bit dismayed by all-present over-charging for anything starting from books to CDs, I ended up enjoying the retreat. Became friends with a few people and have been able to stay in touch with them. However, I don't think I will go back. It was a great social event, an opportunity to live as a community but had little to do with Zen, Buddhism or meditation (or perhaps it was "too little" for me). Sadly, it is apparent to me now that this is how TNH and Plum Village make a huge amount of money. Imagine inviting 300-400 people a week and charging them anything between 280-500 Euros each for their stay! And they have a chick to call it 'contribution'. I know that the money is spent on those in need in Vietnam but hey! there are plenty of Europeans who also are in desperate situations and would benefit from Buddhist teachings. Why not make it possible for them?

I recently went to a local Buddhist temple and as a result of my experience there I felt moved to make a donation. And I think that in Buddhism things should remain being based on dana. Otherwise, it can very easily turn into money-making business.