The Manual Of Insight And The Noble Eightfold Path And Its Factors Explained

Knowing that reliable information on the practice of insight meditation was much needed by practitioners in the West, the renowned Burmese master Ledi Sayadaw wrote the The Manual of Insight. He covers many topics, such as the distortions of perceptions, the Noble Truths, the higher knowledges, Nibbana, and others, fully expounded and furnished with brief descriptions, some of which are drawn from the Pali texts, while others are the product of Ledi Sayadaw's own teachings. The second manual, The Noble Eightfold Path and Its Factors Explained, was written by the Ven. Ledi Sayadaw in Burmese and later translated into English by U Saw Tun Teik. It contains all the path-factors clearly explained by the venerable author who, as a senior member of the Sangha (Order) in Burma, was both deeply learned and well-practiced in meditation.

This is the eBook of the BPE edition of Tranquillity & Insight. The pragmatic nature of the Buddha's teaching makes it perennially relevant to all times, and perhaps especially useful for coping with the difficulties of the present age. Leaving aside metaphysical and theological considerations, the Buddha's teaching focuses on what each person can do here and now to overcome the roots of suffering. The heart of this teaching is meditation, which aims at two goals: the calming down of the restless mind and the arousing of insight into the true nature of existence. The present widely acclaimed book explains the methods of Buddhist meditation in a concise yet complete account according to the oldest Buddhist tradition, that based on the Pali Canon. The aim of the book is essentially practical. While providing all the information necessary to proper understanding, the stress is on the need for practice and personal commitment. This work will both instruct the beginner and inspire the experienced meditator. "An excellent reference book ... Will appeal to beginners and non-beginners alike, and will meet the need for a more readable publication in this complex field of spiritual activity." -Buddhist Studies Review

This book contains two advanced expositions on the development of higher insight knowledge by the renowned Burmese scholar monk and meditation master Ledi Sayadaw. Topics dealt with include dependent origination, kamma, causality, and nibbana. The Manual of the Path of Higher Knowledge (Vijjāmagga Dīpanī) has never been published as an English translation, while The Manual of Light (Alin-Kyan) has not been published in its entirety until now.

The Buddha's teachings center around two basic principles. One is the Four Noble Truths, in which the Buddha diagnoses the problem of suffering and indicates the treatment necessary to remedy this problem. The other is the Noble Eightfold Path, the practical discipline he prescribes to uproot and eliminate the deep underlying causes of suffering. The present book offers, in simple and clear language, a concise yet thorough explanation of the Eightfold Path. Basing himself solidly upon the Buddha's own words, the author examines each factor of the path to determine exactly what it implies in the way of practical training. Finally, in the concluding chapter, he shows how all eight factors of the path function in unison to bring about the realization of the Buddhist goal: enlightenment and liberation.

This book contains fifteen numbers of the renowned Wheel Publication series, dealing with various aspects of the Buddha’s teaching. Wheel Publication No. 31–2: The Manual of Insight — Ledi Sayadaw Mahathera; 33: Advice to Rahula: Four Discourses of the Buddha — Nyanaponika Thera; 34–5: Foundations of Buddhism & The Four Noble Truths — Francis Story (Anagarika Sugatananda); 36–7: Buddhism and the Age of Science — U Chan Htoon; 38: The Lamp of the Law — Soma Thera & Piyadassi Thera; 39–40: Purification of Character — Dr. C. B. Dharmasena; 41: Buddhism and Peace — K. N. Jayatilleke; 42–3: Early Western Buddhists — Francis Story; 44: The Contribution of Buddhism to World Culture — Soma Thera; 45–6: Escape to Reality — Ananda Pereira.

Gives clear and simple instructions on how to develop meditation on the breath.