Resources
Handouts
Five Hindrances HandoutBuddhist Books
The Heart of Buddhist Meditation
This old classic introduces mindfulness meditation in the context of the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. Unashamedly Buddhist, and quite traditional, this is still a great resource for those who are new to the practice.
In This Very Life — The Liberation Teachings of the Buddha
This book, by a direct disciple of the Mahāsi Sayadaw, is straight in at the deep end. Taken from talks given on a three-month retreat, this is suited to those who are already confident and settled in the technique.
Insight Meditation — The Practice of Freedom
A great resource for beginners, this wonderful book draws on Joseph’s experience teaching retreats for over two decades, addressing the questions meditators frequently raise.
Loving Kindness — The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
Ask anyone about a book on mettā, and this is the book they’ll recommend. In fitting with the topic, it’s heartfelt and inspiring, and is full of practical guidance and advice.
Mindfulness — A Practical Guide to Awakening
Quite simply, this treatise on the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta is 400 pages of mastery. Chock-full of wisdom, this book should be on every meditators reading list, if it isn’t already laying open on their reading table.
Satipaṭṭhāna — The Direct Path to Realization
Based on Professor Anālayo’s PhD thesis, this in-depth and remarkably readable volume on the Sutta is a requirement for scholars and serious practitioners alike.
Seeing That Frees — Meditations on Emptiness and Dependent Arising
Dependent arising is the Buddha’s psychology of suffering, and how we can be free of suffering. It is the enlightening insight that freed the Buddha that night under the Bodhi tree. This is a profound but pragmatic exploration of this deepest topic in Buddhism. Great, but definitely for advanced practitioners.
Small Boat, Great Mountain
There is no doubt that this is a special book. Taken from a series of talks given on a combined retreat with Dzogchen master Venerable Tsoknyi Rinpoche, the outcome of this meeting of these two great traditions promises to deliver more than the sum of its parts—and over-delivers.
Secular Books
Waking Up — A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion
Sam is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this exploration of meditation and spirituality from a scientific perspective by the famed atheist, is an excellent introduction to the area which will be suitable for those who find “religion” difficult.
Why Buddhism Is True — The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
It’s difficult to describe how easily this remarkable book reads. Don’t be put off by the title, drawing on the latest in neuroscience and psychology, this is entertaining and illuminating. Read it twice!