The Buddha taught: “there’s only one thing I teach: suffering and its end.” When we have realized that all the avenues we have tried to end suffering have failed, then it's time to turn to Buddha’s teachings and see for ourselves whether his promise of an end to suffering can be experienced within ourselves and whether true fulfillment is possible.

Ed. by Russell Webb, Buddhist Publication Society, 2001,102 pgs, softcover.

The vastness of the Pali Canon, about ten times the size of the Bible, can be daunting to its novice students. This is an unsurpassed albeit brief overview of these labyrinthine teachings, our oldest source of the original teachings of the historic Buddha. This guide provides a single sentence description of the content of each sutta.

Upasaka Kee Nanayon, aka Acharn Kor Khao-suan-luang, Buddhist Publication Society, 1996, 164 pgs, softcover.

As one of the foremost woman teachers of Dhamma in modern Thailand, the author draws on her own poetry and talks to deal with a wide range of issues in the training of the mind. Covers techniques of meditation, mindfulness of breathing, contemplation of the body, and habits of the meditator's heart: the earnest determination and penetrating honesty that are the only things capable of seeing through inner deception to true knowledge and freedom.

Bhikshu Sangharakshita, Wheel No. 70/72, Buddhist Publication Society, 1983, 98 pgs, softcover.

Reviews the life and times of the great Sri Lankan patriot and Buddhist reviver, 1864 - 1933.

This 27 page booklet draws from the Buddha's words to show that happiness is possible in the present, through the annihilation of craving and aversion.

Translated by Ven. Nyanaponika Thera, Wheel No. 155-158, Buddhist Publication Society, 1981, 132 pgs, softcover.

Discourses of the Buddha in numerical order. Contains a wonderful selection of the suttas from books one through four.

Translated by Ven. Nyanaponika Thera, Wheel No. 238/240, Buddhist Publication Society, 1976, 86 pgs, softcover.

Selected texts from books eight to eleven, with a listing of all the included discourses.

Translated by Narada & Nahinda Thera, Wheel No. 98/99, Buddhist Publication Society, 1985, 69 pgs, softcover

Three Discourses from the Majjhima Nikaya, including the Buddha's earliest known affirmation that, "Indeed there is a world beyond; another world exists, that there is none, is to speak falsely and deny the word of those worthy ones who know there is another world." Notes provided.

Dr. G.P. Malalasekera, Wheel No. 127, Buddhist Publication Society, 1982, 29 pgs, softcover.

This essay provides a clear description of Buddhist thought from the Theravada perspective. The author takes us on a fascinating analytical jaunt through historical perspectives of reality, thus creating a practical matrix for understanding the Buddha's "middle way."

Thera Piyadassi, Buddhist Publication Society, 1995, 122 pgs. softcover

An ancient anthology of paritta suttas translated into English: discourses of the Buddha commonly recited for protection against fear, illness, and misfortune. An introductory essay explains the value of paritta recitation for physical and mental health.

Two Lectures on Buddhism.

What was the Buddha really like? This biography is especially suitable for both young people and those new to the teachings or Theravada Buddhism, and describes his interactions within the context of ancient Indian society.

Ven. Narada Thera, BPS, 1991, 412 pg. softcover

One of the clearest yet most detailed introductions to the fundamental teachings of Theravadan Buddhism. Includes the life of the Buddha, the Buddha's teachings, and their relevance to the problems of modern life.

A classic anthology from the Pali Canon charting the entire course of spiritual development following the threefold training in virtue, concentration, and wisdom, and the seven stages of purification.

M. O'C.Walshe, Wheel No. 275/276, Buddhist Publication Society, 1986, 45 pgs, softcover.

Dedicated "To my Christian and Jewish friends," this booklet, in the words of the author, ". . . simply reflects my personal attempt to find, as a Buddhist, some honest answers to certain problems and questions."

A short history from its origins until the late 19th c, during which time several major systems of Vipassana meditation developed. Addresses how the Theravada Buddhist teachings became a major influence in Burmese life.

While the Buddha refused to describe or define Nibbana... 2 essays analyzing this central doctrine.

Essays by Buddhist thinkers, including the Dalai Lama, on nature, environmental protection, eco-development, -politics, -ethics and -philosophies.

Ledi Sayadaw, Wheel No. 331/333, Buddhist Publication Society, 1986, 82 pgs. softcover

The Patthanuddesa Dipani treats of one of the most difficult and complex subjects of Theravada Buddhist thought -- the philosophy of 24 conditional relations from the Patthana, & explains the essential principles underlying this vast system concisely but comprehensively, with lucid illustrations.

V.F. Gunaratne, Wheel No. 102/103, Buddhist Publication Society, 2001, 38 pgs. softcover.

Addresses the importance of contemplating death.Uses explanations and examples from the Pali Canon, to show the direct relation between an understanding of death and development in wisdom and knowledge of ultimate truths.

Lives of some of the Female Disciples.

Buddhist Publication Society, 200, from 380 - 440 pages each

These books each contain around 15 of the renowned Wheel Publications, dealing with many aspects of the Buddha's teaching. Contact us for a list of the Wheels in each volume. 

Bhikku Nanananda, Buddhist Publication Society, 1997, 158 pgs. softcover

By studying two controversial terms in the Buddha's discourses, papanca and papancasanna-sankha, the mind's conceptual proliferation and its tendency to create a screen of concepts by which it misinterprets the basic data of experience, the author hopes we will become more prepared to gain understanding of the central tenet of Anatta, or no-self. Our false ideas of soul arise in part from clinging to limiting worldly concepts.

As we know all too well, anger causes unhappiness to ourselves and to others. If we could only live with less anger and more love, we feel, we would be able to spread much cheer and happiness, and to experience greater happiness within. This book, based on principles of Buddhist mental training, is intended to show that it lies within our own power to curb anger and to spread love. In simple and clear language the author explains how, by methodical mental training, we can evict the demon of anger from our minds and hearts, and become a loving friend, a source of joy and comfort, to all those who come within the circle of our life. These instructions wil be found valid and effective by anyone of any religion, or of no religion at all, for they require nothing more than a willingness to gain greater mastery over one's own mind. In an easy, conversational style, the author discusses sixteen ways to control and overcome anger, and offers instructions on how to practice the meditation on universal love. Illustrated with attractive line drawings, this volume is suitable for readers young and old. (Recommended for 12yrs>)

This Sri Lankan expert traces the development and philosophical implications of the "dhamma theory" (the premise that all phenomena of experience can be explained on the basis of elementary constitutents called the "dhammas"). This theory formed the base for the entire system of the Abhidhamma, a comprehensive and precise systemization of the teachings of the Enlightened One, developed during the first two centuries following his parinibbana.

423 verses spoken by the Buddha, presents his teachings for study and contemplation. This popular edition transmits the spirit, content and style of the original, with clarity, vigour of expression and careful fidelity to the meaning. Includes original Pali text and a long introduction by Bhikkhu Bodhi describing the structure of this work and how it embodies the essential teachings of the Buddha.

6 dhamma talks about centering the mind in non-attachment.

A Discourse on Non-Self.

Tr. Geshe Wangyal, BPS, Bodhi Leaf, 1988, 29 pg.

A compilation from Atisha, the Indian master who founded this Tibetan school in 982, his chief disciple, Geshe Drom, & others. Noted for straighforward reminders about the possible self-deceptions on our paths , and the mindfulness required about our inner motives, commitments and our death.

Four Essays on Buddhism.

Selected texts, from the Pali Canon and its commentaries, on the five obstacles to progress on the spiritual path, including a chapter from the Discourse on the Fruits of Recluseship.

A general introduction to Buddhist cosmology, specifically to the thirty-one realms of existence in which rebirth takes place. Useful for both average readers and scholars alike, as this complicated subject is made clear and accessible.

Nyanaponika Thera & Nanamoli Thera (aka Bhikku Nanamoli), respectively, Wheel No. 6/7, Buddhist Publication Society, 1998, 60 pgs. softcover

The "four sublime states",are the lofty states of love, compassion, sympathetic joy & equanimity. The first essay gives a brief description and a section of contemplation exercises for each & a section on the inter-relationship of all. The second essay focuses on metta, translating in lucid style the key Pali Canon passages in which the Buddha taught this practice.

Insight into the rapidity of global commercial changes in the light of the Buddha's teaching of tahnha, or craving. The ideal Buddhist society ... with wholesome qualities ... is the opposite of the present global trends ...

Meditation during illness.

Bhikkhu Bodhi, Buddhist Publication Society, Bodhi Leaf #154, 2001, 29 pgs.

In our quest for true happiness, we must combine three qualities: Goodness--moral values in an active life; a contemplation of Beauty, conferring a sense of the sublime; and the realization of Truth, completing our intellectual lives.

The Mahanidana Sutta & Its Commentaries: the longest, most detailed discourse on dependent arising which the Buddha described as deep, subtle, and difficult to see, the special domain of noble wisdom. An appendix explores the Abhidhamma system of conditional relations.

Essay based on poems from the Therigatha.

112 short suttas collected by the servant woman Khujjuttara.

Two talks on death and dying.

Introduced and translated by Prof. T.W. Rhys Davids, Wheel No. 120, Buddhist Publication Society, 1984, 37 pgs, softcover.

Classic telling of the stirring final journey of the Buddha.

The Buddha 's proclamation of the Dhamma was his "lion's roar," supreme, fearless, and unchallengable. The 1st discourse deals with the delicate question of whether different spiritual paths all lead to the same ultimate goal. The 2nd discloses the loftiness of his spiritual endowments. A rebuttal to a renegade disciple, in ancient times it was called "The Hair-Raising Discourse," due to its great scope and powerful impact.

Excerpts from thirteen talks of one of Thailand's foremost modern woman teachers of Dhamma on the practice in brief; a basic order in life; every inbreath and outbreath; the details of pain; the deceits of knowing; and reading the heart.

Studies the illusory nature of consciousness, dependent arising, arahatship, and nibbana.

Ledi Sayadaw, Buddhist Publication Society, 2007, 183 pgs, softcover.

This book contains two advanced expositions on the development of higher insight knowledge by the renowned Burmese scholar monk and meditation master Ledi Sayadaw.

From the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, this inspiring selection of Thera-Theri-Gathas are exquisite poems by saints who were followers of the Buddha.

An in-depth study of mental effluents in the Buddhist perspective.

Guide book for the Bhuddist pilgrim in India, with maps and photos.

The first essay addresses "What does the attainment of Nibbana mean in terms of living experience?", and the second compares the attainments of the Buddha with those of the arahants: while both are said to share the same realization of liberation, the Buddha is distinguished by the cosmic dimensions and breadth of his enlightenment.

Presents early Theravadan interpretation of the Buddha's teachings on Nirvana, and also discussions on the arahants, Zen satori experience, and other psychological phenomena.

Ven. Ledi Sayadaw, BPS, 1998, softcover, 82 pg.

In this booklet, the Buddha's own definition of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path are quoted and explained in depth.

Transmitting the Buddhist heritage across generations.

The seven stages of purification leading to the crest of achievement, Arahantship.

A spirited dialog between the Greek King Milinda and the Bhuddist sage Nagasena.

Tan Acharn Kor Khao-suan-luang, Wheel No. 388/389, Buddhist Publication Society, 1993, 43 pgs, softcover.

Practical reflections on the three marks of existence.

Lafcadio Hearn, Bodhi Leaf B.94, Buddhist Publication Society, 1983, 28 pgs. softcover

This translation of a series of documents from 1823 - 1835 called "Collection of Uncommon Stories" retells the case of a 9-year-old boy's recall of details from a previous life which were then substantiated by follow-up by his current family members. Also provides interesting glimpses of village life in feudal Japan.

Discusses the doctrine of Dependent Origination, and its underlying message.

Nyanaponika Thera, Wheel No. 251/253, Buddhist Publication Society, 1986, 111 pgs. softcover.

Anandajoti Bhikkhu, BPS, 2004, 279 pg. Softcover

The Catubhanavarapali in Pali with a line-by-line translation. The Four Recitals are the best known Buddhist texts in Sri Lanka. Every monastery & temple holds a recital after the Autumnal Rains Retreat.

Detailed introduction to this eminent teacher's system of insight meditation.

This commentary on the Velama Sutta gives the Buddha's vivid outline of the degrees of merit acquired by performing different kinds of good actions. The scale begins with the practice of generosity and culminates in the practice of insight into the truth of impermanence. The author's foundation is in Vipassana meditation in the tradition of Sayayi U Ba Khin.

One of Sri Lanka's modern meditation masters (1901 - 1992) provides great erudition on the higher stages of purification and insight arising from deep meditative experience.

Thera Nyanaponika & Various Authors, BPS, 1983, softcover, 100 pg.

Includes descriptions of dukkha, dukkha according to Theravada, and from the epilogue, the words of the Buddha, "If there were no misery in the world, beings would not be digusted with the world. But as there is misery in the world, beings become disgusted with it... ."

A collection of essays on egolessness, self, soul, personality, substance and anatta in Theraveda.

Translated by Nanamoli Thera, (aka Bhikku Nanamoli) Wheel No. 17, Buddhist Publication Society, 1981, 35 pgs. softcover

English translation, of the First Sermon, the Sermon on Not-Self, and the Fire Sermon, along with with introduction and notes. The first 2 were the first sermons given by Gotama the Buddha & addressed his five ascetic friends. The third was given some months later to an audience of over 1,000 ascetics who had practiced fire worship.

A general view of the Bhudda's methods of meditation and mental trainings from the Pali Canon and the Theraveda tradition.

Exposition of the Upanisa Sutta on the steps from suffering to deliverance.

E.W. Burlingame, BPS, 1990, softcover, 250 pg.

From the Dhammapada Commentary, a collection of fifty-six of the most popular and beloved Buddhist stories of all time.

The 10 sublime virtues that are requisites to merit the fruits of the liberating path.

John D. Ireland, BPS, 1998, softcover, 266 pg.

This book presents two of the most beautiful and uplifting texts of the Pali Canon, The Udana and The Itivuttaka. The Udana is a collection of 80 short suttas, each beginning with a memorable incident that comes to the Buddha's attention and elicits from him an inspired utterance expressing his insight into the event's deeper significance.

Elizabeth J. Harris, BPS, 1994, softcover, 52 pg.

Based on the Pali Canon, this is a study of the early Buddhist approach to the problem of violence in society. The chapter topics include: the different forms of violence; the reason for Buddhism's attitude towards violence; the roots of violence; and, can violent tendencies be eradicated?

"In a violent world...the duty of the Buddhist disciple is not inactive withdrawal or apathy but culture of the mind to root out personal defilements so that perception and judgement can be unbiased and objective; cultivation of positive qualities which will create harmony and peace; and, most important, a readiness to speak out and act against what is blameworthy and in prasie of what is worthy of praise."

This essential collection, translated by Roger Bischoff, presents 2 sections of the Ven. Webu Sayadaw's rigorous and engaging style of Dhamma discourse. Includes an illuminating account of the decades-long relationship between Webu Sayadaw and Sayagyi U Ba Khin.

Ayya Khema, BPS, 2006, 128 pg. softcover

An inspiring collection of 12 talks given at the Parappaduwa Nuns Island in Sri Lanka including The Seed of Enlightenment Within; Nothing Special; Self-love, Self-hate; Abandon What Should be Abandoned; Twelve Conditions Leading to Nibbana.

Studies on the position and role of women in Indian society and within Bhuddism.

An outline of the teachings of the Buddha in the words of the Pali Canon, organized around the Four Noble Truths.

This 15th century monk's poem is an homage to the Buddha, to daily life, and reflects the poet's genuine appreciation of the beauties of nature as observed in the charm of a flourishing rural countryside.

The Uraga Sutta, or the Serpent Discourse, is an ancient poem from the Pali Canon. The theme is the oft painful process of inner growth required for spiritual freedom or liberation from suffering.