Additional Suggested Reading

A Collection of Books from the Rich Body of Theravada Buddhist Literature

The Manuals of Buddhism by Ledi Sayadaw
This is a collection of eight manuals in which Ledi Sayadaw gives an extremely clear and detailed explanation of the Buddha’s teaching. His definitive exposition covers issues such as Kamma, soul theory, burdens of dukkha, right view and Buddhist cosmology. Ledi Sayadaw, who died in 1923, is acknowledged throughout Burma as one of the great Buddhist masters of our age. (Get from Amazon)

The Buddha and His Teachings by Narada Thera
An overview of the Buddha’s life and his teachings. This is an excellent book for lay persons interested in a non-scholarly but thorough presentation of the Buddha’s teaching. The first third of the book begins with Siddhartha’s life as a prince and then uses the chronology of each rains retreat after his enlightenment to give examples of essential sermons the Buddha gave during his lifetime. The rest of the book outlines the Buddhist teachings with commentary to clarify important points and help the reader to appreciate the context of the teachings. (Free PDF download from Buddhanet or get from Amazon)

Mind Overcoming Its Cankers by Acharya Buddharakkhita
Using the Sabbasava Sutta and Nibbedhika sutta as a reference, Acharya Buddharakkhita clearly explains the mental hindrances known as Cankers (Asavas) and the importance of overcoming them in order to experience enlightenment. This is an intelligently written book in which the author presents a methodical elucidation on essential aspects of the Buddha’s teaching. (Get from Pariyatti or Amazon)

The Great Chronicles of the Buddha Volume 1 by Bhaddante Vicittasara Bhivamsa (Mingun Sayadaw)
This is a comprehensive exposition on the qualities of the Buddha. The author explains how difficult it is to be born in an era where the Buddha’s teachings are available. Also, the book details the various aspects of paramis it takes to become a Bodhisattva and eventually a Buddha. The book includes an explanation of the lineage of past Buddhas and a description of their appearance (or non-appearance) throughout the ongoing process of world cycles. This is an authoritative text that is accessible to the lay person. There are Six volumes in the entire set. (Available in HTML format)

Map of the Journey by Sayadaw U Jotika
A transcript of eleven talks given at meditation retreats in Australia. Sayadaw U Jotika has an excellent command of English and his explanations of the progress of insight (experienced during Satipatthana Vipassana meditation practice) are very clear. Sayadaw also discusses a wide range of concerns common to western meditators. Sayadaw U Jotika is a respected Sayadaw in Burma. He is educated in western literature and has traveled throughout the world. With this background, he is able to connect with western educated minds. (Free print copy from Inward Path or free PDF download from Buddhanet)