Dhamma Book Talk
The book talk is an objective summary of the content, and main ideas of a book. The purpose of the talk is to give enough information to understand the book subject, comprehend the author’s point of view and help decide whether the book will be of use or interest to any potential readers. As a result of your book talk, everyone in attendance will benefit from you reading the book.
A student agrees to read a Dhamma book and give a book talk. The Dhamma book may be selected from the WBV library or from the student’s personal library. The book must be Dhamma related and approved by the book talk facilitator.
The book talk will take approximately ½ hour, plus 15 minutes for Q & A.
First Tuesday of the Month 7:30PM – 8:30PM
Windsor Buddhist Vihara
691 Campbell Ave
“Fear is an element that prevents us from letting go. We’re fearful that if we let go we’ll have nothing else to cling to. Letting go is a practice; it’s an art. One day, when you’re strong enough and determined enough, you’ll let go of the afflictions that make you suffer.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh (Answers from the Heart)
The book talk will include the following sections:
Bibliographical Information
Give the author’s name; full title of the book including subtitle; editor, if any; place, publisher and date of publication; edition, if necessary; and the number of pages.
Text-to-Self Connection
A Text-to-Self connection ties ideas in the book to your own life, ideas, and experiences. If appropriate, share something that you could relate to when reading the book or specific book passage.
Reading
Read a passage to the class and explain why you chose it.
Background Information
Supply any information about the author which shows their credentials for writing in this field, or which reveals any influences which may have affected the author’s point of view. Note any interesting circumstances that led to the writing of the book.
Intended Audience
The author’s intention may be apparent by the way the subject of the book is treated. Is the material meant for specialists, students, or a general audience? Is it focused on a specific subject or is it of a wider subject?
Summary and Point-of-View
What is the book about? The summary is based on your reading notes, follows the author’s order, and consists of the main ideas. Tell your listeners not only the main interest of the book in its entirety but also what the author’s particular point of view is on that subject.
Q & A
After your book talk, ask the class if they have any questions.
“One should constantly develop calmness and comfort. This is what the Buddha taught. The ease that you are able to gain through such practices cannot be gained in any other way.”
-Bhante Pinnagoda Rahula (The Nature of the Mind)
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