|
 PDF Doc. (545
KB) Good
Question, Good Answer [Revised 5th edition] — Ven. S. Dhammika.
|
|
This is a very popular book on questions and answers on basic
Buddhism. Read the answers to questions that people often ask
about the Buddha's Teachings with Venerable S. Dhammika. The book
covers topics such as What is Buddhism? Basic Buddhist Concepts,
Buddhism and the god Idea, The Five Precepts, Rebirth, Meditation,
Wisdom and Compassion, Vegetarianism, Good Luck and Fate and Becoming
a Buddhist.
• Chinese version: Good
Question, Good Answer (2,379 KB)
• Spanish version: Good
Question, Good Answer (330 KB)
• Arabic version: Good
Question, Good Answer (253 KB)
For more translations of "Good Question, Good Answer", please visit: www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net
|
|
PDF Doc. (246
KB) The
Four Noble Truths — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho.
|
| The Four Noble Truths are the central Teaching of
the Buddha. This booklet was compiled and edited from talks given
by Venerable Ajahn Sumedho on the teaching of the Buddha: that the
unhappiness of humanity can be overcome through spiritual means. The
teaching is conveyed through the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths,
first expounded in 528 BC in the Deer Park at Sarnath near Varanasi,
India and kept alive in the Buddhist world ever since. |
|
PDF Doc. (148
KB) Now
is the Knowing — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho.
|
| This small book represents the wish of some of those
fortunate enough to have received Dhamma teachings from Venerable
Ajahn Sumedho to share them with others. The first section describes
what taking the Three Refuges in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha means;
and the second section is composed of passages from three or four
different talks on the subject of Mindfulness of Breathing. Lastly,
the book discusses happiness, unhappiness and Nibanna. |
|
PDF Doc. (511 KB) Intuitive Awareness — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho. |
| This book is a small sample of the talks that Ajahn Sumedho offered during the winter retreat of 2001. The aim of the editors in compiling this book has been explicitly to maintain the style and spirit of the spoken word. As Ajahn Sumedho himself commented, "The book is meant to be suggestions of ways to investigate conscious experience. It's not meant to be a didactic treatise on Pali Buddhism." |
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PDF Doc. (1,188 KB) The Noble Eightfold Path - The Way to the End of Suffering — Bhikkhu Bodhi. |
| The essence of the Buddha’s teaching can be summed up in two principles: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The first covers the side of doctrine, and the primary response it elicits is understanding; the second covers the side of discipline, in the broadest sense of that word, and the primary response it calls for is practice. In the structure of the teaching these two principles lock together into an indivisible unity called the dhamma-vinaya, the doctrine-and-discipline, or, in brief, the Dhamma. |
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PDF Doc. (488
KB) The
Eightfold Path for the Householder — Jack Kornfeld.
|
| This text is a transcript of teachings given by Jack
Kornfeld on the Eightfold Path. These teachings are aimed at
the householder. Each part of the Eightfold Path is explained in a
separate chapter. The tone of the teaching is contemporary and non-technical.
The universality and relevance of the Buddha's teaching are illustrated
by numerous quotations from more recent luminaries. There are also
some useful exercises which enable the reader to experience the truth
of these teachings. |
|
PDF Doc. (276
KB) Fundamentals
of Buddhism — Dr Peter D. Santina.
|
| Dr Santina covers what we might call the basic Buddhist
teachings over a series of twelve lectures. The basic teachings outlined
here include: the Life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths,
the Noble Eightfold Path, Karma, Rebirth, Dependent Origination, The
Three Universal Characteristics and The Five Aggregates. Dr Santina
also puts Buddhism into its context by describing the pre-Buddhist
background and gives an overview of Buddhism from a modern perspective
in a very readable way. |
|
PDF Doc. (2,233
KB) The
Tree of Enlightenment — Dr Peter D. Santina.
|
| This book is an elaboration of Dr Santina
"Fundamentals of Buddhism". In keeping with the original
objectives of the study of basic Buddhism, this book is - as far as
possible - non-technical. It is intended for the ordinary readers
not having any special expertise in Buddhist studies or in Buddhist
canonical languages. This book can supply a general introduction to
the major traditions of Buddhism, but does not pretend to be complete
or definitive. This book will serve as the beginning of its readers'
Buddhist education and not the end of it. |
|
PDF Doc. (481
KB) The
Buddha, His Life and Teachings — Ven. Piyadassi.
|
| This is a comprehensive and authentic book on the
Buddha and his Teachings by Piyadassi. The author, Venerable Mahathera
Piyadassi is one of the world's most eminent Buddhist monks, a highly
revered teacher of great renown, a indefatigable worker for the Buddha
Dhamma. "The ages roll by and the Buddha seems not so far away
after all; his voice whispers in our ears and tells us not to run
away from the struggle but, calm-eyed, to face it, and to see in life
ever greater opportunities for growth and advancement". |
|
PDF Doc. (124
KB) Buddhism
in a Nutshell — Ven. Narada, Thera.
|
| This is a classic on the basics
of Buddhism by the late Ven. Narada Thera: The Story of the
Buddha; The Teachings (Dhamma) is it a philosophy? Is Buddhism
a religion? Is Buddhism as Ethical system? Some salient features
of Buddhism. Karma or the Law of Moral Causation. Rebirth. Dependent
Arising (Paticca Samuppada). Anatta or Soul-lessness.
Nibanna and The Path to Nibbana. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,240
KB) Essential
Themes of Buddhist Lectures — Ven. Sayadaw U Thittila.
|
| The contents of this book comprise a collection of
expanded notes on talks on Buddhism given by this famous Burmese Buddhist
master, Venerable Sayadaw U Thittilla in the west over the period
1938-1983. Some of the themes are: 'What is Buddhism', 'Likes and
Dislikes', 'A Short History of Buddhism', 'What Kamma Is', 'The Path
to Nibbana' and 'The Abhidhamma Philosophy'. |
|
PDF Doc. (890
KB) Reading
the Mind — K. Khao-Suan-Luang.
|
| These are insightful teachings by a Lay Thai women
teacher, Kee Nanayon (1901-1978); who established a Dhamma centre,
Khao-Suan-Luang in 1945. Upasika Kee attracted Dhamma students, and
residents came to include both female lay devotees and white-robed
nuns. These Dhamma talks were mainly given to the women who stayed
at her centre to practice meditation. After listening with calm and
centred mind, they would all sit in meditation together. |
|
PDF Doc. (258
KB) Scientific
Acceptability of Rebirth — Dr. Granville Dharmawardena.
|
| Dr. Dharmawardena points out that
the reason why classical science cannot explain rebirth is due
to inherent limitations in classical science. Modern science
has transcended these limitations, and therefore rebirth is
within the scope of modern science. Modern science accepts rebirth
as a scientifically acceptable phenomenon through the same tests
used to prove scientific acceptability of generally accepted
modern science phenomena. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,461
KB) A
Tree in the Forest — A Collection of Ajahn Chah's Similes.
|
| "People have asked me about my practice.
How do I prepare my mind for meditation? There is nothing special.
I just keep it where it always is. They ask. "Then are you an
Arahant? Do I know? I am like a tree in the forest, full of leaves,
blossoms and fruit. Birds come to eat and nest, and animals seek rest
in the shade. Yet the tree does not know itself. It follows its own
nature. It is as it is". - Ajahn Chah. |
|
PDF Doc. (3,281
KB) Wind
in the Forest — Poems by Ven. Sujiva.
|
| This book is a unique collection of poems, write-ups,
illustrations and photos. In Venerable Sujiva's sincere and heartfelt
writings, readers may find many touching incidents related by him
in his many years of teaching. They will also come to understand him,
his compassion and loving-kindness as well as the Dhamma by simply
flowing with his pen. |
|
PDF Doc. (948
KB) Dharma
Mind, Worldly Mind — David Smith.
|
| The first part of the book tells us what
we need to put in place for complete Dharma practice - the Eightfold
Path, going for refuge, and the Bodhisattva spirit. In the second
half the book shows us how to turn those requisites into a genuine
living practice that embraces the whole of our life thus surely leading
to the profound transformation that we all desire. |
|
PDF Doc. (130
KB) Buddhism
as a Religion — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
|
| The contents of this popular publication
are a simple exposition of Buddhism as a modern way of life.
This highly qualified Sri Lankan Buddhist scholar has a special
gift of interpreting the Buddha's Teachings for people from
every walk of life. His whole approach to the exposition of
the Dhamma is governed by his deep concern for giving the ancient
teachings a contemporary relevance, and has a meaning that cuts
across the boundaries of time, space, race, culture and even
religious beliefs. |
|
PDF Doc. (2,220
KB)
What Buddhists Believe (Expanded 4th edition) — Ven.
Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
|
| This expanded 4th edition of "What
Buddhists Believe" answers many questions which are asked about
Buddhism by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. There are so many misconceptions
regarding superstitions and misinterpretations which are associated
with this noble religion that it has become imperative to explain
the Teachings in a manner which has contemporary relevance. |
|
PDF Doc. (735
KB) The
Buddhist Way — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
|
| Dr K. Sri Dhammananda explains some Buddhist
cultural practices: Going for Refuges, Religious Rites, Alms Giving,
Marriage, Buddhist Education and Cultural Practices, Images, Holy
Water, Holy Thread, Talismans and Amulets, Blessing Services for Children,
Death, Post Mortem, Funerals, Burial and Cremation, Disposal of the
Ashes, Period of Mourning, Post-Funeral Rites and Memorial Services. |
|
PDF Doc. (130
KB) Buddhism
for the Future — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
|
| Some of the topics Dr K. Sri Dhammananda addresses
here are: Buddhism as a Force Against War; Unity in Buddhist Schools
of Thought; Ecumenism, Role of the Sangha, The Bhikkhuni Order, Proselytization,
Buddhist Values, The Third Millennium, The Lay Person, Social Concerns. |
|
PDF Doc. (542
KB) Facing
the Future — Bhikkhu Bodhi.
|
| Four essays on the social relevance of
Buddhism: A Buddhist Social Ethic for the New Century; A Buddhist
Approach to Economic and Social development; The Changing Face of
Buddhism; Sangha at the Crossroads. In this collection of essays,
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi uses the Buddha's teaching as a lens through which
to examine some of the confusions about social values that have engulfed
us at the dawn of the new century. |
|
PDF Doc. (397
KB) Snow
in the Summer — Ven. Sayadaw U Jotika.
|
| This book is a compilation of extracts from letters
written by Sayadaw U Jotika, a Burmese Buddhist monk, to his Western
students ten to fifteen years ago. These letters have been collated
under the topics indicated by these chapter headings: Mind, Mindfulness
and Meditation; Solitude; Parental Love and Guidance; Life, Living
and Death; Learning and Teaching; Value and Philosophy; Friendship,
Relationships and Loving-kindness. |
|
PDF Doc. (469
KB) Animal
Magnetism — Francis Story.
|
| Subtitled: The Attraction of
Spiritual Leaders by Francis Story. This booklet is a good
reminder to us, so that we always strive in the right direction.
Practice is the only way. Even though faith and devotion
to one's teacher can be a positive thing, we must always remember
that "an excessive faith is accompanied by corresponding
deficiency of wisdom". |
|
PDF Doc. (138
KB) From
Womb to Womb — Francis Story.
|
| Metamorphosis of a Mother. For
twenty-five years Francis Story lived in Asian countries, where
he deeply studied the Buddha's philosophy of life. His research
into the teachings on rebirth started while in Myanmar (Burma)
and was later continued with careful investigation of spontaneous
rebirth recollections. This book includes 'A Reading Guide to
Death and Rebirth', by Ven. Bodhisara which offers an overview
on some topics of death and rebirth: near death experiences,
past life experiences, dying and caring for the dying, etc.
|
|
PDF Doc. (336
KB) Handbook
For Mankind — Buddhadasa, Bhikkhu.
|
| The Principles of Buddhism explained by Buddhadasa,
Bhikkhu. As a guide for newcomers to the Buddha Dhamma (the Truth
which the Buddha awakened to and subsequently taught), this book is
an invaluable guide. In it are contained the essential teachings of
Buddhism. The Handbook is especially useful for those who approach
the Buddha's teaching not as a subject for scholarly study but as
a means to understand and ennoble their lives. It includes chapters
on 'Looking at Buddhism' and the 'True Nature of Things'. |
|
PDF Doc. (150
KB) The
Natural Cure for Spiritual Disease — Buddhadasa, Bhikkhu.
|
| The Natural Cure for Spiritual
Disease is a guide to Buddhist science, it includes three talks
given in 1986 by this world-renowned Thai Buddhist teacher:
'The Scientific Cure of Spiritual Disease', 'The Use of Dhamma'
and 'New Life of Peace'. Venerable Buddhadasa is well known
for the readiness with which he gives non-literal interpretations
of Buddhist texts. He does not hesitate to reject as naive a
word-for-word interpretation that has no bearing on real life.
|
|
PDF Doc. (840
KB) Buddha Dhamma for University
Students — Buddhadasa, Bhikkhu.
|
| The format to "Buddha Dhamma for Students"
is as answers to questions a non-Buddhist is likely to ask about the
fundamentals of Buddhism. It is the results of two talks given by
Ajahn Buddhadasa in January 1966 to students at Thammasat University,
Bangkok. Ajahn Buddhadasa always has tried to set both young and old
straight as to what Buddhism really teaches. He goes back to the original
principles pointed out by the Buddha, explaining these simply and
directly, and showing that their relevance is timeless. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,002
KB) Only
We Can Help Ourselves — Ven. Dhammavuddho.
|
| Kamma is an interesting subject because
it concerns everyone and there are many different aspects of it. There
are many natural laws that govern our lives but the most important
is the law of kamma-vipaka. In a discourse (A.N. 6.63) the
Buddha said, "Intention, monks, is kamma I say. Having willed,
one acts through body, speech and mind". This means that intentional
action is kamma, and vipaka is the result or effects of it. The result
may ripen immediately, later in this life or in a future life. |
|
PDF Doc. (480
KB) The
Art of Living — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
|
| The Art of Living with
Ven. Master Chin Kung, a Master of the Pure Land School of Buddhism.
The Art of Living has chapters on: The Education of Buddha Shakyamuni,
our Original Teacher; The Four Kinds of Buddhism Today; How
Homemakers Can Cultivate the Bodhisattva Way in Daily Life,
and an excellent Question and Answer section. Included is a
glossary and a contact list of Ven. Master Chin Kung's teaching
centres around the world. |
|
PDF Doc. (439
KB) To
Understand Buddhism — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
|
| These are Dharma Talks given in
Australia by Ven. Master Chin Kung. The teachings of Master
Chin Kung are based on true sincerity towards others; purity
of mind; equality in everything we see; proper understanding
of ourselves and our environment; compassion by helping others
in a wise and unconditional way. See through to the truth of
impermanence; let go of all wandering thoughts and attachments;
accord with conditions to go along with the environment. Be
mindful of Amitabha Buddha - wishing to reach the Pure Land
and follow His Teachings. |
|
PDF Doc. (321
KB) Buddhism
as an Education — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
|
| A Dharma Talk given by Ven. Master
Chin Kung at An-Kang Elementary School, Taipei 1989. Transcribed
and translated into English by the Dallas Buddhist Association.
In this talk Venerable Master Chin Kung gives us an explanation
of his understanding of Buddhism as an education rather than
as a religion. There are chapters on the author's own experience
of Buddhism and the methodology and symbolism of the Buddhist
Educational System. |
|
PDF Doc. (321
KB) The
Light of Asia — Sir Edwin Arnold. (TEXT ONLY)
|
| In the sumptuous Buddhist literature
of the world, "The Light of Asia", by Sir Edwin Arnold,
is without any doubt, a unique work. It is primarily because, this
is the only original poem written in English on the Buddha, throughout
the long history of Buddhism. This distinction is quite necessary
to be established, because there are translations of original Pali
works into English and other languages. Some of these are outstanding
instances of spiritual poetry. Sir Edwin Arnold, the Author of this
epic poem, was initially persuaded to compose this sacred work, as
a result of his deep and abiding desire to aid in the better and mutual
understanding between East and West. |
|
PDF Doc. (6,407 KB) The Light of Asia — Sir Edwin Arnold. (TEXT WITH ILLUSTRATIONS) |
| An Illustrated version of the 'Light of Asia', with text. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,083
KB) Buddha's
Constant Companion - Ven. Ananda — by Ven. Weragoda
Sarada.
|
| In this life of the Buddha's personal
attendant, Venerable Ananda, we see that in his character and outlook,
Ananda was touchingly and movingly human. This was partly because
of his simple and charming behaviour, and his ever-present readiness
to help anyone who was in distress or difficulty. In spite of his
administrative and organisational responsibilities as the Buddha's
attendant, Ananda displayed a deep intellectuality and a profound
grasp of abstruse philosophic concepts. |
|
PDF Doc. (795
KB) Women
in Buddhism - Question & Answers — Ven. Chatsumarn
Kabilsingh Ph.D.
|
| Ven. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh provides answers
to questions often asked about women and the ordination issue and
related topics. She responds to such questions as: In the Buddha's
time what role did women play in Buddhism? Why cannot women become
buddhas? What is the Buddhist attitude towards prostitution? What
is an attitude of a Buddhist towards abortion? What is the unique
characteristic in American Buddhism which might interest a feminist?
|
|
PDF Doc. (401 KB) The Position of Women in Buddhism — Dr. (Mrs.) L.S. Dewaraja. |
| Today, when the role of Women in Society is an issue of worldwide interest it is opportune that we should pause to look at it from a Buddhist perspective. In the recent past, a number of books have been written on the changing status of women in Hindu and Islamic societies, but with regard to women in Buddhism, ever since the distinguished Pali scholar, Miss I.B. Horner, wrote her book on Women under Primitive Buddhism, as far back as 1930, very little interest has been taken in the subject. It seems, therefore, justified to raise again the question whether the position of women in Buddhist societies was better than that in non-Buddhist societies of Asia. We will look briefly into the position in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma and Tibet, at a time before the impact of the West was ever felt. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,010 KB) One Foot in the World — Lily de Silva. |
| While walking along the path to liberation a Buddhist has to live in the world and deal with the conditions of worldly existence. This problem is likely to be felt especially acutely by the lay Buddhist, who may find that the demands and attractions of secular life tend to pull him or her away from the path to deliverance. However, the Buddha was not unaware of or unconcerned about this dilemma confronted by his lay disciples, but gave it his careful attention. He taught his lay followers how to organize lay life in accordance with the ethical principles of the Dhamma and how to lead successful lay lives without deviating from the path of rectitude. |
|
PDF Doc. (199
KB) Preparing for Death &
Helping the Dying — Sangye Khadro.
|
| This booklet is based on material used
during a seminar that I have taught in Singapore and elsewhere, entitled
“Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying.” This seminar
answers a genuine need in today’s world, as expressed by one
participant: “I am interested to know more about death and how
to help dying people, but it’s very difficult to find anyone
willing to talk about these things.” The material for the seminar
is taken mainly from two sources: traditional Buddhist teachings,
and contemporary writings in the field of caring for the dying. This
booklet is meant as a brief introduction to the subject rather than
a detailed explanation. |
|
PDF Doc. (1,084
KB) A
Guide to a Proper Buddhist Funeral — Koperasi Buddhisme
Malaysia Berhad.
|
| This is a hand book on Buddhist Funerals,
with sections on practical advice as to what is to be done when a
family member is critically ill; the final moments; when death takes
place; preparing for the funeral; paying last respects; the final
rites; verses for contemplation; the burial / cremation ceremony and
the memorial service. |
|
PDF Doc. (485
KB) The
Many Faces of Death — Jacqui James.
|
| Imagine a life partner, a family member
or a close friend of yours is dying. How might she or he be feeling?
Facing death, being in pain maybe. What are her or his intimate needs
and wishes? What happens to us when staying with a dying person? How
can we deal with the sorrow, the confusing thoughts and the trying
situation? How should we communicate with her or him and with the
family members and friends? When a beloved person is dying we are
touched to our deepest core. Difficult, painful emotions may rush
up, stirring in our hearts. Dying and death becomes a great challenger,
breaking into our lives – which we try so hard to keep smooth
and under control. |
|
PDF Doc. (4,208
KB) To
Cherish All Life — Roshi Philip Kapleau.
|
|
A Buddhist View of Animal Slaughter and Meat Eating. "No discussion
of animal welfare would be meaningful that did not deal with the
morality of flesh eating. Since I have chosen to put this subject
in the context of Buddhism, it seems desirable, first of all, to
discuss the significance of the first precept in Buddhism of not
taking life. This in turn raises two fundamental questions: Can
the first precept be fairly construed to prohibit meat eating? and
second, Is there reliable evidence that the Buddha sanctioned flesh
eating? . . . " Philip Kapleau, Roshi.
|
|
PDF Doc. (3,344
KB) Buddhist
Pilgrimage — Chan Khoon San.
|
|
The idea of a pilgrimage came from the Buddha himself. Before He
passed into Mahaparinibbana, the Buddha advised pious disciples
to visit four places that may be for their inspiration after He
was gone. They are Lumbini, where He was born; Buddhagaya, where
He attained Supreme Enlightenment; Deer Park in Sarnath, where He
preached the First Sermon; and Kusinara, where He passed into Mahaparinibbana.
|
|
PDF Doc. (929
KB) Beyond
Belief: A Buddhist Critique of Fundamental Christianity
— A. L. De Silva.
|
|
The purpose of this book is threefold. Firstly it aims to critically
examine the fundamentalist approach to Christianity and thereby
highlight its many logical, philosophical and ethical problems.
The second aim of this book is to help fundamentalist Christians
who might read it to understand why some people are not and will
never be Christians. The third aim of this book is to awaken in
Buddhists a deeper appreciation for their own religion.
|
|
PDF Doc. (3,064
KB) Phra
Buddha Dhammacakra — Wat Phra Rama.
|
|
This is an account of the process of casting a Buddha statue: a
case study of the making of Phra Buddha Dhammacakra. The process
of casting explained and illustrated. An Introduction of Buddhism.
Rudiments of Mental-collectiveness. Dhammacakra Mudra: the meaning.
Chanting for the Phra Buddha Dhammacakra. The placement and inauguration
ceremony of the Phra Buddha statue.
|
|
PDF Doc. (1,026
KB) Liao-Fan's
Four Lessons — Liao-Fan Yuan.
|
| Liao-Fan Yuan originally wrote Liao-Fan’s Four Lessons
in the sixteenth century in China. The book was intended to teach
his son, Tian-Chi Yuan, how to recognize the true face of destiny,
tell good from bad, correct one’s faults and practice kind deeds.
It also provided living proof of the rewards and outcomes of people
who practiced kind deeds and cultivated virtue and humility. Relating
from his own experience at changing destiny, Mr. Yuan himself was
a living embodiment of his teachings. |
|
PDF Doc. (4,767
KB) The
Seeker's Glossary of Buddhism — Sutra Translation Committee
of USA/Canada.
|
| NOTE: This is a revised and expanded edition of The Seeker’s Glossary
of Buddhism. The text is a compendium of excerpts and quotations from
some 350 works by monks, nuns, professors, scholars and other laypersons
from nine different countries, in their own words or in translation.
The editors have merely organized the material, adding a few connecting
thoughts of their own for ease in reading. |
|
PDF Doc. (3,614 KB) A Manual for Buddhism and Deep Ecology — Daniel H. Henning, Ph.D. |
Practicing Buddhism is sometimes described as like walking though a forest on a misty day. Eventually you “get wet” and come to a deeper understanding of the teachings. The same might be said about
environmentalism. Eventually, hopefully, it moves from manipulating or even saving the environment and becomes the environment. “Getting wet” in this sense is incorporating a spiritual perspective in working with and in the environment. This is called Deep Ecology.
|
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