Readings For Intermediate Level Students Of Buddhist Practice
The following list of readings are suggested for your greater understanding of the Path of Practice. Some of the books are available for free distribution from Palelai.
1. Meditator's Manual
The Craft of the Heart, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1988; 332k/108pp.)
Ajaan Lee's first book, with teachings spanning the full range of Dhamma practice, from the five precepts to the attainment of total liberation. This book is a rich source of instruction suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners, alike; take whatever is useful to you.
Basic Themes, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1982; 103k/34pp.)
This book primarily concerns the practice of breath meditation, and provides valuable advice on responding skillfully to the pitfalls that may be encountered along the way. The Prologue and Introduction to the essay include handy summaries of many key doctrinal points in the Buddha's teachings, as well as Pali chants and procedures that can be useful to prepare the mind for meditation practice.
2. The Noble Eightfold Path
The Path to Peace and Freedom for the Mind, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997; 109k/36pp.) - This book offers a detailed analysis of the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, with practical applications to breath meditation. (Originally published with Basic Themes.)
What is the Triple Gem?, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997; 109k/36pp.)
Here Ajaan Lee discusses the nature of the Triple Gem and explores in detail how going for refuge serves to develop the factors in the heart that are necessary for Awakening. (Originally published with Basic Themes.)
Refuge: an Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997; 209k/69pp.)
This short book provides an excellent introduction to the most basic principles of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, collectively known as the Triple Gem or Triple Refuge. The material is divided into three parts: (I) a pair of introductory essays on the meaning of refuge and the act of going for refuge; (II) a series of readings drawn from the earliest Buddhist texts illustrating the essential qualities of the Triple Gem; and (III) a set of essays explaining aspects of the Triple Gem that often provoke questions in those who are new to the Buddha's teachings. Printed copies of this book are available free of charge from the author (Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Metta Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA).
3. The Four Frames of Reference/Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Frames of Reference, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1987; 69k/23pp.)
An introduction of the four foundations of mindfulness from the perspective of breath meditation. Explains the teaching from a practitioner's point of view.
A Refuge in Awakening, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1998; 27k/9pp.)
This is Ajaan Lee's last recorded sermon, dictated shortly before his death in April, 1961. Here Ajaan Lee teaches the importance of making the Dhamma -- and oneself -- one's refuge by practicing mindfulness of the four frames of reference.
4. Guidelines from the Buddhist Scriptures
a) Recognizing the Dhamma - These days, we come across many meditation/Dhamma teachers and some of us may have a problem determining if what they teach us is in line with the Buddha's teachings. Moreover, we may also have doubts as to whether the teachings will indeed lead to enlightenment. Fortunately for us, the Buddha left behind specific guidelines by which we can judge the validity of any interpretation of Dhamma or Vinaya. These eight principles, sometimes called the "Constitution of Buddhism," show us that any teaching must finally be judged by the results that come from putting it into practice
b) The Ten Recollections - The ten anussati (recollections) are a set of practical tools for meditators to use when confronted with particular challenges (physical pain, for example) or unskillful states of mind (doubt, restlessness, complacency, etc.).
c) Contemplation of the Five Khandas (Aggregates) - Insight into the nature of the five aggregates is an essential part of the practice of the Buddhist path to enlightenment and Phra Ajaan Thanissaro has put this into perspective for us in his artcle Five Piles of Bricks: The Khandhas as Burden & Path and in a more in depth study guide of selected suttas from the Pali Canon: The Five Aggregates
d) Stream-entry - "Stream-entry" is the first of the four stages of Awakening, the goal towards which all the Buddha's teachings ultimately point. The sutta readings in this study guide are organized around the four factors that lead to the attainment of stream-entry and provide answers to questions of interest to all meditators.
5. Pointers Along The Way
The Skill of Release: Teachings of Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo compiled and translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1995; 184k/61pp.)
A fascinating and wide-ranging collection of short talks and fragments of talks given by Ajaan Lee to his disciples. These passages span the full territory of meditation practice -- from basic moral conduct to final release -- and tend to orbit around the two general themes which recur through all of Ajaan Lee's teaching: that Buddhist life is a skill to be cultivated, and that breath meditation is a superb tool for cultivating that skill. Although the passages are arranged thematically in this book, some readers may prefer simply to open to a page at random and savor whatever gem is discovered. Highly recommended for students of all levels of experience.
Steps Along the Path, by Ajaan Thate, translated from the Thai by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1994; 42k/14pp.)
A short handbook on the practice of meditation, with tips and recommendations for new and experienced meditators. Of particular interest is Ajaan Thate's discussion of how best to respond when visions and signs arise during the course of meditation practice.
