Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 4/1/2011

Question
Beste John Willemsen

I have read the Q & A by an expert by name of Numenius.  Especially the posts about Annata i have found enlightening.
In his answers this expert refers to early Buddhist texts, the Nikayas.  
I am reading about buddhism currently. I was somewhat shocked by my discovery that apparently there is a huge difference of opinion among Buddhist sects about fundamental matters.

Questions:
Are there dependable translations of these scriptures, the Nikaya's?

Can they be studied by a relative layperson like myself? I am familiar (i think) with the basic ideas in Buddhism.

Are there books in which these views, escpecially about Anatman, are discussed/ compared?

Where can i find people in the Netherlands that are studying these these topics in the light of these "presectarian" texts.
I would like to study with people with the same interest.
(Dutch, English and German are languages i can use for these studies.)

My aim is to find application in real life for these ideas. What i want to prevent is teaching myself and others the wrong way to think, live and act. These "standpoints" are most important for me but not as a mere intellectual pursuit.

I hope you can help me.

Sincerely,

Ed, The Netherlands

Answer
Dear Ed,
I believe I answered this question in my answer to your second question. The position of Advayavada Buddhism is that there is no such thing as a soul and I invite you to read our website which treats this subject quite extensively. I also gave you the name of Prof. Rob Janssen, who is an expert on the Nikayas.
Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.
http://www.euronet.nl/~advaya/index.htm