How to Compare Without Confusing Levels
This protects your critical thinking long-term.
Build a three-layer reading method that prevents you from mixing canon, commentary, and modern interpretation.
Core Teachings
Key concepts with source texts
You will explicitly label claims: ‘Text says’, ‘Later system says’, ‘Modern teacher says’. Then you decide what you accept—and why.
From the Source Texts
""Come and see...""
Commentary
The method is verification, not tribal loyalty.
Take one topic (rebirth, jhāna, emptiness). Create a 3-column table: early suttas → later commentaries → modern takes. Mark contradictions openly.
Study Materials
Primary sources with guided reading
Additional Resources
Use parallels to triangulate meaning and reduce one-translation dependence.
Write your thoughts before revealing answers
Consider these points:
- •When do you accept claims without evidence?
- •When do you dismiss because it’s inconvenient?
- •Where do you confuse genres (sutta vs commentary vs YouTube)?
Your Thoughts
Writing your thoughts first will deepen your understanding
Bridge notes help connect the resources and show how they relate to the learning outcome.
AI-generated notes synthesize the lesson outcome and resource summaries. Human-reviewed before publishing.
A rigorous ‘text-first’ stance means: