2006-12-03 — on Anatta

Three Basic Facts of Existence, The: Volume 3, Egolessness (Anatta), collected essays by Nyanatiloka Thera, Ledi Sayadaw, Ñanamoli Thera, and others (Buddhist Publication Society "Wheel" No. 202/203/204; 1984; 188k/58pp.)

This book, although more difficult reading than the other titles in the "Three Basic Facts" series, offers a valuable overview of the Theravadan understanding of not-self (anatta). The book includes an extensive collection of passages from the suttas concerning the Buddha's teachings on this essential topic.

2006-11-27 — From the Anguttara Nikaya

• AN 4.50: Upakkilesa Sutta — Obscurations {A ii 52} [Thanissaro]. Four unskillful activities that prevent a monk from shining with Dhamma.

2006-11-01 — The Threefold Refuge

The Threefold Refuge, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 76; 1983; 55k/16pp.)

This essay offers an excellent introduction to the multilayered meaning of "going for refuge," that crucial realignment of one's spiritual compass towards the highest Buddhist goal: Nibbana.

2006-10-22 — The Abhidhamma in Practice

The Abhidhamma in Practice, by N.K.G. Mendis (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 322/323; 1985; 128k/38pp.)

This small book offers a concise introduction to Abhidhamma philosophy. The author introduces all the major concepts of Abhidhamma (the cittas and cetasikas, rupa, the 24 modes of conditionality, etc.), interspersing the abstract technical details with helpful discussions and sutta excerpts that keep the presentation firmly grounded on a practical level.

2006-10-15 — Dhamma talks by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Meditations 3
by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2006; 478k/131pp.)

The third in a series of anthologies of Dhamma talks that Thanissaro Bhikkhu delivered during the evening meditation sessions at Metta Forest Monastery, California.

2006-10-09 — A Concise Introduction to Buddhism

The Buddha and His Dhamma, by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Buddhist Publication Society "Wheel" No. 433; 1999; 49k/13pp.)

In these two lectures, delivered to an audience with almost no prior knowledge of Buddhism, Ven. Bodhi gives a clear, concise account of the Buddha's life and teaching.

2006-10-05 — Essays on Anicca (Impermanence)

Three Basic Facts of Existence, The: Volume 1, Impermanence (Anicca), collected essays by Piyadassi Thera, Bhikkhu Ñanajivako, Phra Khantipalo, Y. Karunadasa, and Bhikkhu Ñanamoli (Buddhist Publication Society "Wheel" No. 186/187; 1981; 152k/43pp.)

These five introductory essays address various facets of impermanence (anicca), an important recurring theme in the Buddha's teachings. The style of these essays ranges widely, from reflective/experiential ("A Walk in the Woods," by Khantipalo) to intellectual/philosophical ("Aniccam: The Buddhist Theory of Impermanence," by Ñanajivako). Choose whichever you find useful.