Pointing To Dhamma

This spiritual manual describes mahamudra meditation from the perspective of the "gradual path," a progressive process of training that is often contrasted to sudden realization. The book contains a step-by-step description of the ways to practice, precise descriptions of the various stages and their intended realizations, and the typical problems that arise along with their remedies. Drawn from a variety of sources, "Pointing Out the Great Way" distills the experiences of many great masters who have traversed the path of meditation to the point of perfect mastery.

The Dark Side of Dharma, looks at why meditation side effects, also known as "adverse effects," while well known in spiritual and religious traditions, have been ignored in contemporary secular contexts such as Western psychology. For some meditators, adverse effects are completely unexpected and undesirable. Others believe that these effects are a normal part of the contemplative path, and as such they are a welcome sign of progress. Through her academic research Lutkajtis discovered that while the scientific studies and popular media coverage of meditation have been overwhelmingly positive, a small but growing number of studies also speak of meditation adverse effects. Lutkajtis found that in religious traditions, such as Buddhism, these types of difficulties associated with meditation are acknowledged, and are usually understood to be either milestones on the path to enlightenment, the result of improper practice, or due to individual differences. In traditional contexts, meditation teachers are equipped to deal with adverse effects when they arise. However, in the modern West, meditation adverse effects have been largely ignored. Given the current popularity and proliferation of secular meditation-related products and services, it is important to understand why meditation adverse effects have been overlooked, under-researched, and generally misunderstood. This book attempts to answer that question.

Drawn from the Buddha’s teachings, contemporary literature, and the author’s own life, this collection of stories, anecdotes, and aphorisms provides inspiration and refreshment for practitioners of meditation. A sympathetic, observant, and compassionate voice drives these narratives, offering practitioners guidance and strength in their pursuit of eternal bliss. The anecdotes pair lasting truths with contemporary concepts, pointing to Dharma in all things, from a shoe repair shop to the World Wide Web. With one story, poem, or aphorism per page, Buddhism’s ancient wisdoms are presented in an easily digestible format.

Written by one of the most highly regarded monk-scholars in Southeast Asia, this book is a modern distillation of the pivotal doctrines found in the Pali Buddhist canon.

This book contains sixteen numbers of the renowned Wheel Publication series, dealing with various aspects of the Buddha’s teaching. 248–9: The Buddha’s Words on Kamma—Nanamoli Thera 250: Concept and Meaning—C.F. Knight & Carlo Gragnani 251–3: The Roots of Good and Evil—Nyanaponika Thera 254–6: Life’s Highest Blessings—Dr. R. L. Soni 257: Meanderings of the Wheel of Dhamma—Nathan Katz 258: The Contemporary Relevance of Buddhist Philosophy—K. N. Jayatilleke 259–60: Nourishing the Roots—Bhikkhu Bodhi 261: Buddhism and Death—M. O’C. Walshe 262: Faith in the Buddha’s Teaching and Refuge in the Triple Gem—Soma Thera 263–4: Maha-Moggallana—Hellmuth Hecker

Based on the most popular meditation techniques taught across Thailand.

One of America's most respected Buddhist teachers distills a lifetime of practice and teaching in this groundbreaking exploration of the new Buddhist tradition taking root on American soil.