Embedded Files
Where to start?
Where to start?
Meditation
Meditation
If you'd like some meditation instruction, try Method 2 in Ajan Lee Dhammadharo's classic Keeping the Breath in Mind or these basic breath meditation instructions. You could also listen to some of Thanisarro Bhikkhu's short talks on meditation.
Gil Fronsdale offers a wealth of meditation instruction, including a 6-part online meditation course.
Many people have found Bhante Vimalaramsi's book on Loving Kindness meditation helpful, especially the emphasis on the Six R's: Recognize, Release, Relax, Re-Smile, Return, Repeat.
Doug Kraft offers a free PDF booklet on the Easing Awake meditation method that also uses the Six R's. He also provides audio & video meditation instructions.
Books
Books
Some beginning practitioners have asked for recommendations on an all-purpose dharma book. If you have one you love, send a note through the email list. In the meantime, either of these 3 books would be an excellent introduction for Buddhist study, with Gil's being the most basic:
In This Very Life by Sayadaw U. Pandita (includes glossary & index)
Being Dharma by Ajahn Chan (glossary; no index)
The Issue at Hand by Gil Fronsdal
Information, Education & Study
Information, Education & Study
Access to Insight - a great online resource for Theravadan Buddhist studies. Managed by the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, and useful information concerning the practice and study of Theravada Buddhism, as it has been handed down to us through both the written word of the Pali canon and the living example of the Sangha
DharmaSeed - information on Western Buddhist Insight talks, teachers and retreats
The Path of Concentration & Mindfulness - excellent article on Meditation & Right Concentration
Audio Dharma - Dharma talks by Gil Fronsdal and other teachers
Dhamma Talks - downloads of Dhamma talks, books and essays by Thanissaro Bhikkhu of Metta Forest Monastery. Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Taan Ajaan Geoff) is a senior monk in the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism
Sutta Central - English translations (typically more than one) of each sutta, lots of lesser-known stuff such as the jataka tales, and the original language version of each one. There is also material from ancient Chinese versions of the suttas and some Tibetan writings.
Mountain Stream website offers a great list of various Buddhist resources.
Tricycle Magazine - Buddhist quarterly
Inquiring Mind - Buddhist quarterly
BuddhaNet - Buddhist education and information network
https://www.buddhistgeeks.org/ - definitely Buddhist, definitely geeky
Fake Buddhist Quotes - maybe the Buddha didn't say that after all; an interesting blog that discusses misquotations and their likely "sources" in the suttas
Where to Find Free-distribution Dhamma - a great list from Inquiring Mind for finding free dharma; be sure to read this article on The Buddha's Culture of Generosity
On-Line Practice Opportunities
On-Line Practice Opportunities
Many retreats, daylongs and meditation groups are offered on-line. These, along with the monasteries & retreat centers listed below, are a few sites you can visit for information about virtual offerings.
John Travis/Mountain Stream events
Doug Kraft/Easing Awake events
Chanting: Rubin Museum Tibetan Shrine Room online stream
Monasteries, Retreat Centers, Meditation Groups
Monasteries, Retreat Centers, Meditation Groups
Awakening Forest Hermitage - forest dwelling Theravada nuns in Northern California near Jenner
Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery - Buddhist monastery in the Ajahn Chah tradition, near Redwood Valley, CA
Saranaloka Foundation - supporting the Buddhist nuns of Aloka Vihara in Northern California
Metta Forest Monastery - Buddhist monastery in the Ajahn Chah tradition, near Valley Center in southern California
Sacramento Buddhist Meditation Group - Sunday night and Wednesday morning sittings
Spirit Rock Meditation Center - Influential west coast Buddhist center in Vipassana tradition, in Marin County
Insight Meditation Center - community-based urban meditation center in Redwood City guided by Gil Fronsdal and Andrea Fella in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition.
Mountain Stream - meditation group in Nevada City/Grass Valley area, led by John Travis
ABS Temple in Sacramento - local Sri Lankan Thervada
Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram - local Thai Buddhist temple
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse