[somamasoso]

I feel I owe you a less flippant response, KA.

Thanks!

I was asking you about because I am new at the Pali Dhamma and I know I am being over enthusiastic about discovering the freshness of the Pali.

Why?

Well... I was into Soto Zen literature. Mainly the Shobogenzo. A beautiful teaching. Japanese approach to Buddhism fits me well. It is a wonderful teaching and a great tradition but now, that I am looking more and more into the Pali, I have the impression that the teachings there are quite different in terms of clarity and directness; in terms of what has to be done.

Because I have never been into any kind of religion, I was really disappointed when I saw the teachings of the Buddha here and there turned into a religion with all the things religions have. I approached Soto tradition because it was really austere in terms of religious rites and ceremonies. Also the relationship with the teacher in Soto is against the idea of worshiping a guru as happens in other traditions.

I have found the Pali as a very clear teaching in terms of what has to be done, step by step and with an outstanding clarity. Of course I am just through some teachings now because the Pali is huge. I am not in a rush to know it all but by know I am through Bhikkhu Bodhi's "In the Buddha's Words". The Pali has given me what I needed... a path out from rites, ceremonies, superstitions and religious believes with enough clarity to know well what has to be done.

Curiosity satiated?

Yes, thanks BuckyG!