Nyanaponika Thera

Buddhism and the God-idea, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 16k/5pp.)

Mystics from all the world's great religions have reported extraordinary meditative experiences that theists often attribute to the experience of God itself. But is it necessary to invoke the God-idea to explain these experiences? (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

Contemplation of Feeling: The Discourse-grouping on the Feelings (Vedana-Samyutta), by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 303; 1983; 71k/24pp.)

An anthology of passages from the Samyutta Nikaya and other texts concerning the Buddha's teachings on vedana (feeling).

Courageous Faith, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 16k/5pp.)

A short reflection on the Buddhist view of faith (saddha). (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

Devotion in Buddhism, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 16k/5pp.)

A short essay on the role of devotion in Buddhist practice. (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

The Five Mental Hindrances and Their Conquest, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 26; 1993; 58k/19pp.)

An anthology of excerpts from the suttas and the Commentaries that address how to deal with the hindrances (sense desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and remorse, and doubt) when they arise in the mind.

The Four Sublime States, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 6; 1993; 37k/12pp.)

A series of short but illuminating reflections on the development of the four brahmavihara ("sublime states" or "divine abidings": love, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity) and the role they play in meditative practice.

"Is Unselfish Joy Practicable?" by Nyanaponika Thera (From Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 170; 1983)

In this short essay the author explains how the methodical cultivation of mudita (sympathetic or unselfish joy) can "act as a powerful agent in releasing dominant forces of good in the human heart."

Kamma and its Fruit, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 18k/6pp.)

An exploration of the subtle nature of kamma, and of the ultimate importance of cultivating wholesome kammic actions so that we may arrive at liberation — the final ending of kamma itself. (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

The Life of Sariputta, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 90/92; 1987; 170k/56pp.)

A biography of the "Marshal of the Dhamma," the Buddha's chief disciple, whom the Buddha praised for his deep wisdom, humility, patience, and forbearance.

The Power of Mindfulness, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 121; 1986; 107k/35pp.)

An excellent overview of the powers of "bare attention" in mindfulness practice, organized in terms of four of its aspects: its capacity to "name" experience with dispassion; its non-coercive attitude toward experience; its capacity to slow down the mind so that the mind can see itself more clearly; and its capacity to see things directly, as they are.

Protection Through Satipatthana, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Bodhi Leaves No. 34; 1990; 17k/5pp.)

How mindfulness practice can serve as a powerful means of protecting oneself and others from harm.

Seeing Things As They Are, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 7k/1pp.)

A short reflection on what it means to see things as they really are — namely, in terms of the three characteristics of impermanence, suffering, and not-self. (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

The Simile of the Cloth and the Discourse on Effacement, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 61; 1988; 92k/30pp.)

Translations of two important suttas (Majjhima Nikaya 7 and 8) on the purification of mind, with introductions and extensive notes.

Why End Suffering?, by Nyanaponika Thera (1994; 13k/5pp.)

In this essay the author explores how the resolve to bring a skillful end to one's own suffering (dukkha) simultaneously works to diminish the suffering of others. (This essay also appears in the book, The Vision of the Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera, (Buddhist Publication Society, 2000), which is available from Pariyatti).

The Worn-Out Skin, by Nyanaponika Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 241; 1989; 102k/34pp.)

Reflections on the Uraga Sutta, an ancient Buddhist poem that compares one who abandons unskillful qualities of mind to a snake that sheds its skin.