The Unwritten Dhamma
In the context of the Thai Forest Tradition, it is, perhaps, worth remembering that Ajahn Chah suggested that the only book you really need to read is your heart! Even the most profound of Buddhist scriptures are but ‘second-hand wisdom.’
One Thai Forest Tradition blog even includes a thoughtful essay discussing “Why Knowing Too Much Pali, Abhidhamma, Suttas can block your progress.”
One wonders, could that be why we see Huineng (Sixth Patriarch and author of the Platform Sutra) tearing up Buddhist scriptures in frustration?
From Zen Art for Meditation:
Understandings and discussions must be phrased in words. But the words of any language fall far short of mirroring the vital processes of life. Words of wisdom have no meaning until one’s own experience gives them meaning. Each person must be enlightened by his own experience.