II. General Buddhism

All of Us Beset by Birth, Decay and Death, Ayya Khema, 1988, [51p.]. Twelve dhamma talks given on Parappuduwa Nuns Island that present topics such as: Accepting oneself, Be nobody, Non-duality, Ideal solitude, Dukkha for knowledge and vision, and Path and fruit.(G#289)

Amaravati: 1985-1995 [brochure], Hertfordshire, England: Amaravati Pub., 1995. A small collection of papers printed in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Includes Ven. Ajahn Sumedho's Dhamma talk of "Noticing Space", "Ten Years On... a Review of Amaravati's First Decade", and a colour sketch of the temple.(G#087)

Amata Dhamma: Six Talks on Dhamma, Ven. Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno, Udorn, Thailand: Wat Pa Bahn Tahd, 1980, 160p. In-depth dhamma talks from a Thai monk.(G#005)

Awareness Itself, Ajaan Fuang Jotiko, Bangkok, Thailand: P. Samphan Panich Ltd., 1993, 77p. Short teachings from a Thai teacher who was known for his kindness, humanity and delightful sense of humour.(G#177)

Be an Island: the Buddhist Practice of Inner Peace, Ayya Khema, Boston: Wisdom Pub., 1999, 135p., 0-86171-147-5. Twenty-four Dhamma talks full of sound, practical advice from a down-to-earth Western Theravada nun.(G#089)

Bhavana Vandana : Bhavana Devotions, Ven. Henepola Gunaratana (compiler), High View, WV: Bhavana Society, 1999, 76p. A collection of daily devotions, as recited by the residents of the Bhavana Society in West Virginia, that provide a solid introduction to the Dhamma. Includes the refuges and precepts, daily recitations, and additional suttas and recitations. Text in Pali and English.(G#166)

Blooming Lotus and Dull Frogs, Ajahn Cha(h), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, [1993], 61p. A talk by the renown Thai monk on the timelessness of the Dhamma. The blooming lotus is a metaphor for the blossoming wisdom of the Buddha. The dull frog is a symbol of a person caught in a lifeless and wearisome pattern of existence.(G#193)

Bodhinyana, Ajahn Chah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1982, 130p. A collection of Dhamma talks from a teacher renown for his wonderfully simple explanations based on his own meditative experience.(G#175)

Broad View, Boundless Heart, Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, Redwood Valley, CA: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, 2001, 76p. A collection of four talks by two senior Western monks on the subjects of: the brahmaviharas, Theravada Buddhism in a nutshell, and Ajahn Chah's teachings on View.(G#249)

Buddhism of Wisdom and Faith: Pure Land Principles and Practice, Dharma Master Thich Thien Tam, New York: Suttra Translation Committee of United States and Canada, 1994, 5^th ed., 363p. The exposition of the teachings of the Pure Land school of Mahayana Buddhism.(G#016)

Buddhist Dictionary: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines, Nyanatiloka, 3^rd ed., 1970, Taipei, Taiwan: Buddha Educational Foundation, 218p. Authentic, clear explanations of all key Theravada Buddhist terms and doctrines, arranged alphabetically (Pali-English) and accompanied by textual references.(G#019)

Buddhist Essays I, Ven. Professor Bhikkhu Dhammavihari, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2002, 56p., (WH 446/447), 955-24-0229-8. Five essays covering four major areas. Two deal with aesthetic enjoyment and concepts of beauty as envisioned in Buddhism. The other three look at: women in Buddhism, Buddhism's concern for social growth and development, and the use of death as a source of inspiration and guidance. The author ordained as a monk in 1990 at the age of sixty-nine. Before that he has held a variety of teaching positions including at the University of Toronto (1969-72).(G#259)

Chanting Book: Morning and Evening Puja, Reflections and Suttas, Redwood Valley, CA: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, 2^nd ed., 2004, 82p. A selection of chants, reflections, suttas, and formal requests written in Pali and English, as used by Buddhist monasteries and groups associated with the Western Forest Sangha in the lineage of Ajahn Chah.(G#150)

Dhamma and the Real World, Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro, Redwood Valley, CA: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, 2000, 39p. Two edited talks by and two interviews with the co-abbots of Abhayagiri Monastery. Topics include: monasticism and real life, social action, youth and families, and the final days of a death row inmate.(G#256)

Dimensions of Buddhist Thought, Francis Story, Kandy: BPS, 1975, 106p., (WH 212/214). Twelve essays on various aspects of Buddhism.(G#034)

Essential Themes of Buddhist Lectures given by Ashin Thittila, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1986, 2^nd ed., 219p. A wide range of talks given in the West by a dedicated and eloquent Burmese monk over the period 1938-1983. The talks are grouped in five sections: Introductory Talks, Talks Involving Sila, Talks Involving Samadhi, Talks Involving Panna, and Buddhism in General.(G#192)

Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering, Ajahn Chah, Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2005, 163p, 1-59030-217-6. A valuable collection of a Thai monk's teachings on: impermanence, uncertainty, letting go of attachments, living in the present, and meditation that are "simple, direct, clear, and profound". Ajahn Chah was admired for the way he demystified the Buddha's teachings, presenting them in a remarkably down-to-earth style understandable to people of any background. His unique spirit and teaching style is also conveyed through the anecdotes that are interspersed throughout the text.(G#300)

Everything Is Teaching Us: a Collection of Teachings, Ajahn Chah, Redwood Valley, CA: Abhayagiri Monastery, [2004], 125p. Eight talks from a Thai meditation teacher who was revered for illustrating the immediacy of the Dhamma. He could start a discourse with the most basic Buddhist ideas and seamlessly move on to talk about ultimate reality. Topics include: About being careful, It can be done, Free from doubt, and Listening beyond words.(G#301)

Experience of Insight, Joseph Goldstein, Santa Cruz, CA: Unity Press, 1976, 169p., 0-913300-05-5. A selection of the author's lucid instructions and discourses given to participants during a thirty-day Vipassana meditation retreat.(G#094)

Eye of Discernment: an Anthology from the Teachings of Phra Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (transl.), Valley Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002, 84p. An excellent starting point for newcomers to Ajahn Lee's teachings. The excerpts include the presentation of the following subjects: why Ajahn Lee chose to become a meditating monk, the method of meditation he developed and taught, how the three aspects of virtue, concentration, and discernment, are mutually reinforcing, the lack of sharp division between the practice of tranquility and insight meditation, and using one's powers of observation in developing meditation as a skill.(G#286)

Facing the Future: Four Essays, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Kandy: BPS, 2000, 68p.(WH 438/440), 955-24-0215-8. Essays by an eminent monk who uses the Buddha's teaching as a lens to examine some of today's confusions about social values. "A Buddhist Social Ethic for the New Century" contrasts social organization fostered by global capitalism with that which might follow from a practical application of Buddhist principles. Other essays examine the costs of industrial-growth society, question why Buddhism today is losing its appeal to the young in traditional Buddhist countries, and explore the problems that young monks face in finding a role in contemporary society.(G#241)

Following Nature, Ajahn Puth (Thaniyo), 55p. Until his death in 1999, Ajahn Poot Thaniya had been one of the last surviving meditation masters who revitalized the forest tradition in 20^th century Asia. His teachings emphasize letting go, strict ethical discipline, simplicity, and authentic spiritual practice that lead to rightly seeing the true nature of our conditioned mind and body: dukkha, anicca, and anatta.(G#290)

Food for the Heart, Ven. Ajahn Chah, Ubol Rajathani, Thailand: Wat Pah Nanachat, 1992, 139p., 1-870205-12-X. These ten talks were given to bhikkhus at Ajaan Chah's monastery in Thailand and contain a wealth of insight and humor into all aspects of Dhamma practice. Much of this material, however, is probably more accessible to long-term students, rather than to newcomers to meditation.(G#042)

Food for the Heart: the Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Chah, Boston: Wisdom, 2002, 427p., 0-86171-323-0. A rich anthology of most of Ajahn Chah's available dhamma talks. The 38 talks are arranged in three parts: conduct (virture and the world of the senses), meditation, and wisdom. He was one of the most accomplished spiritual masters of the 20^th century and has inspired and guided innumerable people all over the world in the arts of Buddhist meditation and skillful living. He committed himself to a life of simplicity and renunciation, conveying the Buddha's teachings through wisdom, humour, and a great sense of compassion.(G#291)

Food for Thought: Eighteen Talks on the Training of the Heart, Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1989, 85p. Two talks briefly describe a technique of breath meditation aimed at giving rise to a centered, composed, and discerning state of mind. The rest of the talks deal with the uses of such a state of mind in dealing with the problems of life: the day-to-day anger, anxiety, disappointment, etc., and the larger issues of ageing, illness, and death.(G#174)

Forest Dhamma: A Selection of Talks on Buddhist Practice, Ven. Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno, Bangkok: Chuan Printing, 1976, 172p. Talks given by the abbot of Wat Pa barn-tard, a Thai country monastery, on the subjects of: meditation, death, the need for mindfulness and wisdom, and the Way of the Buddha.(G#043)

Freeing the Heart: Dhamma Teachings from the Nuns' Community at Amaravati & Cittaviveka Buddhist Monasteries, Hertfordshire, England: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, 2001, 241p., 974-7313-58-8. A collection of 17 dhamma talks from five senior Forest sangha nuns. Themes explored by the nuns include: A Question of balance, Freedom in restraint, The Buddha's advice to Meghiya, Opening the heart, Awakening to the human condition, Why come to a monastery?, and Simplicity.(G#285)

Gift of Well-Being: joy, sorrow and renunciation on the Buddha's Way, Ajahn Munindo, Northumberland, UK: River Publications, [1998], 135p. Six eloquent dhamma talks given in the late 1990's by the New Zealand-born abbot of Ratanagiri, a monastery in Harnham, UK. The author, who trained in a forest monastery of northeast Thailand, reminds us of "the limitless resources of the inner realm of contemplation". "The thread of his text subsides into an untimed sequence and although...it is the product of sustained attention, it conveys a refreshing spontaneity, directness and compassion."(G#265)

Gratitude to Parents, Ajahn Sumedho,  Hertfordshire: Amaravati Publications, 1998, 30p. An edited talk given at Amaravati Monastery in October 1994 on a day that the Sri Lankan community had asked to have dedicated to remembering parents. Ajahn Sumedho discusses ways to cultivate feelings of gratitude as we remember the goodness and kindness of our parents.(G#255)

Handbook for Mankind, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1988, 126p. An overview of all that Buddhism offers humanity. The author shows how Buddhism responds to human fear, especially of suffering, with a practical system of understanding and discipline. He discusses the nature of that understanding, the attachment it severs, the things we attach to, the way of training, and the progress of insight leading to liberation.(G#186)

Heart Released, the Teachings of Phra Ajaan Mun, Bhuridatta Thera (ed.), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, [1991], 40p. Ajaan Mun attracted an enormous following of students in the first half of the 20^th century and was partially responsible for the establishment of the forest ascetic tradition in Thailand which has spread to the West. This booklet is a record of 17 passages from his talks given a during the final years of his life.(G#195)

His Holiness: the XVII Gyalwang Karmapa, Taipei, Taiwan: Jewel Ornament Press, [199-], 24p. A richly illustrated booklet describing the history, search and discovery of the seventeenth incarnation of the leader of one of Tibet's major schools of Buddhism.(G#097)

Intuitive Awareness, Ajahn Sumedho, Hertfordshire, England: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, 2004, 181p., 1-870205-17-0. A compilation of transcribed talks given mostly in 2001 by Ajahn Sumedho, the senior Western disciple of the late Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah. Titles of the talks include: When you're an emotional wreck, Suffering should be welcomed, The Sound of silence, The End of suffering is now, Don't take it personally, Consciousness, Trusting in simplicity, and Observing attachment.(G#284)

Joyful Path: Community, Transformation, and Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh and friends, Berkeley, CA: Parallax, 1994, 122p., 0-938077-76-7. A collection of writings, poems, songs, and photographs published in celebration of the twelfth anniversary of Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh's community in France.(G#098)

Kalyana: Dhamma Talks, Ajahn Sucitto, [ Hertfordshire, UK]: Amaravati Publications, 2^nd ed., 2002, 110p, 1-870205-14-6. Seven dhamma talks given by the English abbot of Cittaviveka Buddhist Monastery in England. Three of the talks (Good Heart; The Leaders of Awakening; and The Mind, the World, and the Dhamma) were presented to the general public and the others (Breathing into the Dhamma; Association with the Lovely; The Gate of Relativity; and Emptiness: the Fullness of Mind) were given to the monastic community during retreats.(G#303)

Karma of Questions: Essays on the Buddhist Path, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Valley Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002, 91p. As the author writes in the Introduction, "There's no such thing as a totally idle question. Every question, even the most casual, carries an intention." Since one's intentions shape the course of one's entire spiritual journey, learning to ask the right kinds of questions plays an essential role in any spiritual practice.(G#287)

Landscapes of Wonder: Discovering Buddhist Dhamma in the World Around Us, Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano, Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1998, 178p., 0-86171-142-4. An American Buddhist monk communicates the essence of Buddhism in eighteen inspiring essays. He clearly and eloquently writes how the Buddha's message is the key to awakening that does not reside in some distant mystical realm, but rather lies just beneath our noses.(G#140)

Law of Karma - Dhamma Practice, [vol. 1], Phra Rajvisuddhinanamongkol (Jaran Thitadhammo), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, [1987], 131p., 974-89638-8-8. The collected teachings of a senior Thai monk. Many autobiographical stories and practical advice (e.g. "How to read your mind", and the four foundations of mindfulness).(G#183)

Life of Inner Quality: A Comprehensive Guide to Buddhist Practice, Ven. Acariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno, Udorn Thani, Thailand: Wat Pa Baan Taad, 1998, 143p. Ten talks of a respected Thai monk given to various groups of lay people about integrating Buddhist practice into daily life.(G#147)

Living Dhamma, Ven. Ajahn Chah, Ubol Rajathani, Thailand: Bung Wai Forest Monastery, 111p. Nine Dhamma talks covering subjects such as: purifying the heart, advice near death, The Four Noble Truths, and meditation. A humorous and penetrating reminder that the real practice of Dhamma lies within.(G#054)

Manual of Buddhism for Advanced Students, Mrs. Rhys Davids, New Delhi: Oriental Books Reprint, 1978, 341p. Reprint of a classic (1932) presentation of the original message of the Buddha by a former editor of the Pali Text Society.(G#055)

Messages of Truth from Suan Mokkh, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Bangkok: Dhamma Study & Practice Group, 1990, 66p., Thai and English. Six articles written by the Thai abbot of Suan Mokkh on: the Kalama Sutta (intellectual independence), kamma, nibbana, greed, education, and serving one's own mindfulness and wisdom.(G#058)

Mind and the Way: Buddhist Relections on Life, Ajahn Sumedho, Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995, 220p., 0-86171-081-9. A compilation of edited talks given by a student of Ajahn Chah who appointed him to be the first Western abbot of a Thai monastery. Sample topics of the twenty sections in the book include: Is Buddhism a Religion?, Noticing Space, Themes for Daily Practice, The Science of Goodness, and A Perfect Society.(G#248)

No Ajahn Chah: Reflections, Compiled & Edited by Dhamma Garden, Nantou, Taiwan: Dhamma Cultivation Publishing, 1994, 213p., 957-99702-2-X. A rich collection of 194 sayings from Ajahn Chah arranged under such topics as: birth and death, body, breath, Dhamma, impermanence, kamma, meditation practice, and virtue. A treasure trove of practical wisdom.(G#214)

No Religion, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, [1993], 46p. An informal talk on the essential nature of religion and how we use the languages of materialism and Dhamma.(G#189)

Noble Strategy: Essays on the Buddhist Path, Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Valley Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 1999, 77p. "The essays in this book present views on basic elements in the Buddhist path - the attitudes, concepts, and practices that lead to total freedom for the mind. If the views are right, they themselves form part of the path. Right views are tools - strategies - to a higher end. They are meant to spark the sort of inquiry that takes the mind beyond them. Their integrity in action, combined with the worthiness of their outcome, is what makes them - as strategies - as noble."(G#288)

Now is the Knowing, Ajahn Sumedho, Wat Pah Nanachat, 40p. Talks on: The Three Refuges, Anapanasati (breath meditation), and Happiness, Unhappiness and Nibbana.(G#060)

Path to Peace: Talks on Dhamma Practice, Ajahn Chah, Tainan, Taiwan: Heyu Publishing, [n.d.], 55p. Three Dhamma talks from a distinguished Thai forest monk.(G#101)

Position of Women in Buddhism, Dr. L.S. Dewaraja, Kandy: BPS, 1981, 22p., (WH 280). An exploration of the contribution that the Buddhist teachings have had in improving the social standing of women in largely male-dominated Asian culture.(G#065)

Prison of Life, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1988, 26p. A talk given to foreign meditators on the subject of freedom from attachment.(G#187)

Sakyadhita: Daughters of the Buddha, Bhiksuni Karma Lekshe Tsomo (ed.), Ithica, NY: Snow Lion Pub., 1988, 346p., 0-937938-72-6. An anthology of writings taken from the proceedings of the first International Conference on Buddhist Nuns.(G#068)

Seeing the Way: Buddhist Reflections on the Spiritual Life, Hertfordshire, England: Amaravati Publications, 2^nd ed., 1989, 218p., 1-870205-04-9. A collection of 20 talks, letters, and essays by English-speaking disciples of Theravada meditation master, the Venerable Ajahn Chah.(G#106)

Seeker's Glossary of Buddhism, Minh Thanh (ed.), New York: Sutra Translation Committee of the U.S. and Canada, 2^nd ed., 1998, 797p. An A-Z compendium of excerpts and quotations from some 350 works by monks, nuns, professors, and other laypersons from nine different countries.(G#107)

Silent Rain: Talks & Travels, Amaro Bhikkhu, Bangkok: Craftsman Press, 1995, 293p., 974-89658-2-1. Ajahn Amaro began his training in the forest monasteries of northeast Thailand under Ajahn Chah in 1978. He moved to England in 1979 to help establish the Chithurst and Amaravati monasteries. The book is a sort of scrapbook of talks, poems, art, journal entries, and travelogues beautifully written with humour and insight.(G#243)

Skill of Release, Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1995, 88p. Short passages from the general talks of a well-respected Thai teacher known for his directness and clarity of expression, with imaginative similes and metaphors.(G#176)

Snow in Summer, Sayadaw U Jotika, Penang, Myanmar: [publisher?],  1998, 172p. Excerpts from letters written by a Burmese monk to his friends and students. The subjects covered include: mindfulness, meditation, parental love and guidance, life and death, relationships and lovingkindness.(G#181)

Spectrum of Buddhism: Writings of Piyadassi, Ven. Nayaka Piyadassi, Taipei, Taiwan: Buddha Educational Foundation, 1991, 447p., 955-9098-03-9. One of Sri Lanka's most popular and articulate monks offers a wide selection of his essays including: essential Buddhist principles, meditation, women in Buddhism, and Buddhist history and culture.(G#149)

Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah, Jack Kornfield (compiler), Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 1985, 192p. 0-8356-0597-3. Achaan Chah spent many years walking and meditating in the forest monastery of Wat Ba Pong. His humble words, compiled by two Westerners who are former monks, awaken the spirit of inquiry, wonderment, understanding, and deep inner peace.(G#234)

Stillness of Being, Ajahn Viradhammo, [ Toronto]: 2005, 92p. A collection of seven transcribed talks by a senior Canadian monk: So what, Bringing the teachings alive, Trying to find a sweet one, Affectionate living, Dhamma and family life, the End of rebirth, and Acceptance and responsibility.(G#304)

Taste of Freedom, Ajahn Chah, Bung Wai Forest Monastery: Ubon Rajathani, Thailand, 1982, 102p. A collection of ten talks delivered by Ajahn Chah in Thailand and England. These talks, given in Ajahn Chah's uniquely humorous and incisive conversational tone, span a range of Dhamma topics, from the cultivation of a balanced mind in meditation practice, to the overcoming of habitual ways of perceiving the world that obstruct the arising of liberating insight.(G#167)

Things As They Are: A Collection of Talks on the Training of the Mind, Venerable Achariya Maha Boowa Nanasampanno, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: WAVE, 1988, 216p. Thirteen talks given to monastics in Thailand by a monk known for his emphasis on the practical application of the Dhamma. Since the monks who had assembled to listen to the talks were at different stages in their practice, each talk deals with a number of issues on a wide variety of levels. Every reader who is interested in the training of the mind will benefit from these pages.(G#206)

Tree in the Forest: A Collection of Ajahn Chah's Similes, Compiled & Edited by Dhamma Garden, Nantou, Taiwan: Dhamma Cultivation Publishing, 1994, 202p., 957-99702-3-8. Many of the similes that Ajahn Chah used to teach came out of his vast experience of living in the forest. His practice was simply to watch, all the while being totally open and aware of everything that was happening inside and outside himself. He had an uncanny ability to covey the truth of wordless Dhamma to his listeners in the form of a simile. These similes are fresh, easy to follow, sometimes humorous, sometimes poetic, but invariably strike a place in the heart where it jars or inspires the most.(G#215)

Unexpected Freedom: Talks, Ajahn Munindo, Northumberland, UK: Aruna Publications, 2005, 192p.Sixteen dhamma talks from the abbot of Harnham Monastery in Northumberland. "The main body of the book develops the theme of awareness of the heart, its inherent freedom and its relevance for receiving and transforming the various passions and problems in our life".(G#302)

Vision of Dhamma: the Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, Nyanaponika Thera, London: Rider, 1986, 267p., 0712695370. Collected essays by the German-born Theravada monk who headed the Buddhist Publication Society for many years. Authoritative and approachable.(G#079)

Way It Is, Ajahn Sumedho, Hertfordshire ( UK): Amaravati Publications, 1991, 177p., 1-870205-11-1. A general selection of edited talks given by the senior-most Western monk trained by Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Sumedho expounds on the uniquely Buddhist expression of 'not-self' (anatta) in many of the articles. Sample topics include: investigating the mind, the five aggregates, precepts, patience, stillness and response, and dependent origination.(G#235)

Way to Peace and Happiness, Bhikkhu Yogavacara Rahula (compiler), Dehiwala, Sri Lanka: Buddhist Cultural Centre, 1997, 2^nd ed., 274p. Bhante Rahula presents selections from the suttas organized around the central ideas of Buddhism (e.g. the Four Noble Truths, developing the mind) together with his own lucid comments. An appendix gives a practical description of vipassana meditation.(G#081)