Study Guides

These anthologies on particular topics are designed as aids for individual or group study. The texts are drawn from the Pali Canon, teachings of the great Thai forest ajaans, and other sources. Unless otherwise indicated, they were prepared and introduced by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

These Study Guides are also available in »Microsoft Word 6 (Windows/Macintosh) format. (Internet connection required.)

Topics:

• Beyond Coping: The Buddha's Teachings on Aging, Illness, Death, and Separation

• Body Contemplation
  An overview of the Buddha's teachings on contemplation of the body, and its role in the development of mindfulness, jhana, and discernment.

• The Five Aggregates
  This anthology of short readings from the suttas explains how the teachings on the five aggregates (pañcakkhandha) -- form, feeling, perception, mental fabrications, and consciousness -- function in the Buddhist path to liberation.

• The Four Noble Truths
  An introduction to the Four Noble Truths, the basic framework on which all the Buddha's teachings are built.

• Kamma
  These readings give an overview of the Buddha's teaching of kamma (karma; intentional action).

• Noble Conversation
  An exploration of the nature of right speech, based on the Buddha's list of ten ideal topics for conversation.

• Non-violence

• Recognizing the Dhamma
  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.

• 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.

• The Ten Perfections
  The ten paramis (perfections) are skillful qualities that develop (perhaps over many lifetimes) as one follows the Buddha's path of practice. This study guide includes readings from the Pali Canon and from the teachings of Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo.

• 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.).

• The Eye of Discernment: An Anthology from the Teachings of Phra Ajaan Lee Dhammadaro
• "The Path to Freedom: A Self-guided Tour of the Buddha's Teachings"