The Jaina Path of Purification


Book Description

The religious tradition of the Jainas, unique in many respects, presents a fascinating array of doctrinal and social structures that stem from the anti-vedic movements of ancient times. Drawing extensively on primary sources, Professor Jaini provides a comprehensive introduction to the Jaina experience. Beginning with the Life of Mahavira the author elucidates the essentials of Jaina cosmology and philosophy as well as of the path of purification through which the soul may escape from its Karmic defilements and attain eternal salvation. This path constitutes the integral element within the broader frame-work of Jaina literature, lay ritual and the socio-historical factors, which enabled Jainism to survive and prosper to the present day. In particular, the author has examined the cardinal doctrine of ahimsa (non-harming), both in its impact upon Jaina religious consciousness and as a standard in applying its sacred principles to the conduct of every day life.




The Progress of Insight


Book Description

The practice of Vipassana or insight meditation was described by the Buddha as the “direct way” for the overcoming of all sorrow and grief and for realizing Nibbana, the state of perfect liberation from suffering. The essence of this practice consists in the four foundations of mindfulness: mindful contemplation of the body, feelings, states of mind, and mind objects.




Becoming Vajrasattva


Book Description

"The practice of purification is one of the most important solutions to life's problems." - Lama Zopa Rinpoche Common to all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Vajrasattva is used to purify negative karma, illness, and obstacles to spiritual development. Lama Yeshe, the inspirational teacher who strongly influenced the development of Buddhism in the West, found that the practice of Vajrasattva brought dramatic results for his Western students. Becoming Vajrasattva is a complete guide to this purification practice, providing instruction on the method, commentary on the traditional texts, and insight into tantra. Also included is an entire section of complete retreat instructions - indispensable reading material for anyone undertaking a retreat in the Tibetan tradition.




Swallowing the River Ganges


Book Description

A comprehensive practice guide to the great treatise of Theravadan Buddhism, the path to purification.




Buddho


Book Description

I have written this book, Buddho, so that readers will come to understand the correct meaning and use of the word “Buddho.” There are those who wrongly believe that by just reciting the word “Buddho” they are able to rid defilements and cravings (kilesa) from their minds, then expecting wisdom to arise which will enable them to realize how thing really are (the Truth). However, just reciting repetitiously the parikamma word “Buddho” does not make one reach purity of mind (citta) and gain Noble Fruitions, and Nibbana. The use of the word “Buddho” has two distinct applications in these Dhamma practices: Samatha (tranquility meditation) Vipassana (gaining wisdom) These two types of Dhamma practice, samatha and vipassana, have different purposes and ways to practice. You will know and understand those differences by reading this book. Please read with rational discernment and come to the correct understanding. Once you understand the correct meaning and use of “Buddho,” Dhamma practice will not be confusing. In your present life, if you have accumulated sufficient merit and virtue (parami), you shall reach one of the four stages of Noble Fruitions. If not, you will reincarnate in the era of the next Lord Buddha, Buddha Metteyya.” You will listen to his Dhamma, develop wisdom and see the Truth. You will reach the ultimate state of Nibbana, becoming an arahant. In the present life, consider yourself as a lucky person to become a Buddhist disciple. Do not let this good opportunity go by. Put forth great effort to practice Dhamma and strive to accumulate merit and virtue. If you miss this good opportunity in the present life, it is uncertain that you will reincarnate to become a Buddhist again as in the present life. In this life, you have responsibilities and work to do, so just keep doing them as your duty. As your special task, keep practicing Dhamma and accumulate virtue and merit, for these will go with you when you pass away from this world. It will be the benefit of life and your real treasure. Finally, my wish for you is that you gain discernment and wisdom to see the real view of the Truth in this present life. Phra Acariya Thoon Khippapanno




The Suttanipata


Book Description

This landmark volume in the Teachings of the Buddha series translates the Suttanipata, a text that matches the Dhammapada in its concise power and its centrality to the Buddhist tradition. Celebrated translator Bhikkhu Bodhi illuminates this text and its classical commentaries with elegant renderings and authoritative annotations. The Suttanipata, or “Group of Discourses” is a collection of discourses ascribed to the Buddha that includes some of the most popular suttas of the Pali Canon, among them the Discourse on Loving-Kindness Sutta. The suttas are primarily in verse, though several are in mixed prose and verse. The Suttanipata contains discourses that extol the figure of the muni, the illumined sage, who wanders homeless completely detached from the world. Other suttas, such as the Discourse on Downfall and the Discourse on Blessings, establish the foundations of Buddhist lay ethics. The last two chapters—the Atthakavagga (Chapter of Octads) and the Parayanavagga (The Way to the Beyond)—are considered to be among the most ancient parts of the Pali Canon. The Atthakavagga advocates a critical attitude toward views and doctrines. The Parayanavagga is a beautiful poem in which sixteen spiritual seekers travel across India to meet the Buddha and ask him profound questions pertaining to the highest goal. The commentary, the Paramatthajotika, relates the background story to each sutta and explains each verse in detail. The volume includes numerous excerpts from the Niddesa, an ancient commentary already included in the Pali Canon, which offers detailed expositions of each verse in the Atthakavagga, the Parayanavagga, and the Rhinoceros Horn Sutta. Translator Bhikkhu Bodhi provides an insightful, in-depth introduction, a guide to the individual suttas, extensive notes, a list of parallels to the discourses of the Suttanipata, and a list of the numerical sets mentioned in the commentaries.




Right Concentration


Book Description

A practical guidebook for meditators interested in achieving the states of bliss and deep focus associated with the Buddhist jhānas One of the elements of the Eightfold Path is Right Concentration: the one-pointedness of mind that, together with ethics, livelihood, meditation, and more, leads to the ultimate freedom from suffering. So how does one achieve Right Concentration? According to the Buddha himself, the jhānas—a series of eight progressive altered states of consciousness—are an essential method. But because the jhānas can usually be achieved only through prolonged meditation retreat, they have been shrouded in mystery for years. Not anymore. In Right Concentration, Leigh Brasington takes away the mystique and gives instructions on how to achieve them in plain, accessible language. He notes the various pitfalls to avoid along the way and provides a wealth of material on the theory of jhāna practice—all geared toward the practitioner rather than the scholar. As Brasington proves, these states of bliss and concentration are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them.




The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha


Book Description

The present work offers a complete translation of the Aguttara Nikya, the fourth major collection in the Sutta Piṭaka, or Basket of Discourses, belonging to the Pali Canon




The Path of Serenity and Insight


Book Description

In the oldest scriptures of Theravada Buddhism much attention is given to the jhanas, high levels of meditative attainment distinguished by powerful concentration and purity of mind. Ven. Dr. Gunaratana examines these jhanas within the context of Buddhist teaching as a whole and particularly within the meditation disciplines taught by the Buddha. Beginning with the ethical foundation for meditation, the role of the teacher, the classical subjects of meditation, and the appropriateness of these subjects to individual practitioners, the author traces the practice of meditation to the higher reaches of realization. The eight stages of jhana are individually analyzed and explained in terms of their relation to one another and to the ultimate goal of the teaching. The author makes the critical distinction between the mundane jhanas and supermundane jhanas, pointing out that the lower four, while leading to various mental powers and psychic attainments, are not necessary to full enlightenment and may be developed or bypassed as the medita-tor wishes. The author goes on to explain the place of the jhanas among the accomplishments of an arahat and elucidate their usefulness for a dedicated meditator.




The Path of Purification


Book Description

The Visuddhimagga - here rendered Path of Purification systematically summarizes and interprets the teaching of the Buddha contained in the Pali Tipiṭaka. As the principal non-canonical authority of the Theraváda, it forms the hub of a complete and coherent method of exegesis of the Tipiṭaka, using the "Abhidhamma method" as it is called. It sets out detailed practical instructions for developing purification of mind.