The Manuals Of Dhamma

"Originally published under the title, The manuals of Buddhism, in 1965 by the Union Buddha Saasana Council, Yangon, Myanmar"--Title page verso.

"Vipassana is the quintessence of teachings of the Buddha, Venerable Ledi Sayadaw was an invaluable link in the chain of teachers that preserved Vipassana in its pristine purity in Myanmar. The writings of this great meditation master and Abhidhamma scholar are not easily available today. Therefore Vipassana Research Institute is now publishing The Manuals of Dhamma, which is a collection of English translation of the Venerable Sayadaw's writings. The reader will find a great treasure of information as well as inspiring guidance for the practice of Dhamma in these texts." from back cover.

The Venerable Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw wrote this manual in reply to a layperson requesting guidance in developing insight, clarification of doctrinal aspects, and how to advance from being a blind worldling to a wise and virtuous person, i.e. one who has the eye of knowledge. In clear, concise, vivid language the author explains the perfections, seven aspects of the five aggregates to be perceived, the true peace of Nibbana, how to be mindful while doing a meritorious deed, practicing the three refuges, the four types of Buddhists, and understanding the Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination. Finally, an exhortation regarding great opportunities: human rebirth, meeting the Buddha, becoming a bhikkhu, having confidence, and hearing the Dhamma.

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.

In this treatise, noted Burmese scholar and monk Ledi Sayadaw explains the bodhipakkiya dhamma: the 37 requisites of enlightenment. The requisites are comprised of the four foundations of mindfulness, four right efforts, four bases of success, five controlling faculties, five mental powers, seven factors of enlightenment, and the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path. This book is valuable to those interested in understanding the Buddha’s teaching at a deeper level, while providing the inspiration to continue walking step by step on the path.

A collection of writings from an outstanding figure in the resurgence of the Buddha's teachings, this hardback edition is a mixture of detailed analysis, vivid stories, and examples for meditators. Ledi Sayadaw was a leading scholar of his time, revered by his contemporaries and regarded as an authority by Western interpreters of Theravada texts. In a break with the past, he strove to make the entire record of the Buddha's teaching accessible to the general population, not only the Sangha. This English translation of Venerable Sayadaw's writings provides inspiring guidance and valuable information for the practice of Dhamma.

Wisdom Wide and Deep is a comprehensive guide to an in-depth training that emphasizes the application of concentrated attention (jhana) to profound and liberating insight (vipassana). With calm, tranquility, and composure established through a practical experience of jhana meditators are able to halt the seemingly endless battle against hindrances, eliminate distraction, and facilitate a penetrative insight into the subtle nature of matter and mind. It was for this reason the Buddha frequently exhorted his students, Wisdom Wide and Deep follows and amplifies the teachings in Shaila Catherine's acclaimed first book, Focused and Fearless: A Meditator's Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity. Readers will learn to develop this profound stability, sustain an in-depth examination of the nuances of mind and matter, and ultimately unravel deeply conditioned patterns that perpetuate suffering. This fully detailed manual for the mind sure to become a trusted companion to many inner explorers.

Abhidhamma has the fearsome reputation of being somewhat juiceless to a beginner. I was delighted to find that in the introductory chapter Bhikkhu Bodhi gives his explanation of the four-fold ultimate realities in a very clear, calm, exact and expressive way. He brings to the subject a distinctively passionate voice and profound care and respect for the unfathomable wisdom of the Buddha. This is a brilliant gem of a guidebook and will lead the reader to new dimensions of the wisdom of the Buddha. Book jacket.