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SUGGESTED READING LIST
In This Very Life
Sayadaw U Pandita
Wisdom Publications, 1991
Sayadaw U Pandita is the abbot of Panditarama Monastery and Meditation Centre in Rangoon, Burma. He was one of the first Burmese meditation masters to teach in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw in the West, and he is a highly respected teacher to many students around the world.
This book draws on teachings that the Sayadaw gave during a three-month retreat at Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. It is a very clear and readable exposition of the Mahasi approach to insight meditation, and a classic that deserves to be on every meditator’s bookshelf.
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Venerable U Silananda
Wisdom Publications 2002
Insight meditation in the Mahasi tradition is based on the Maha Satipatthana Sutta, the Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness. Venerable U Silananda’s commentary to this sutta is detailed and
Mindfulness in Plain English
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Wisdom Publications 2002
Bhante Gunaratana is a Sri Lankan monk based in West Virginia, USA. He has many decades of experience in teaching insight meditation to Westerners, and his book is a clear and practical guide to all aspects of the practice. It is easy to read, and the author’s
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Wisdom Publications 2001
A sequel to Mindfulness in Plain English (see above), this book provides a wonderfully readable interpretation of the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path, written in the same humourous and accessible style as Bhante Gunaratana’s first book.
The Experience of Insight
Joseph Goldstein
Shambala Publications
A simple and direct guide to Buddhist meditation
Seeking the Heart of Wisdom
Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield
Shambala Publications
Loving Kindness: The revolutionary art of happiness
By Sharon Salzberg
Shambala Publications
Introducing Buddhism
By Chris Pauling ISBN 0904766977
This is an easy to read book introducing the basics of Buddhism
WHERE TO BUY
Buddhist Library & Meditation Centre
90 Church St Camperdown 2050
Ph: (02) 9519 6054
www.buddhistlibrary.org.au
Windhorse Books
PO Box 574 Newtown 2042
Ph: (02) 9519 8826
Fax: 02 9519 8827
The people at Windhorse are very friendly and keep prices as low as they can
www.windhorse.com.au
Bodhi Books
375 King Street Newtown 2042
Ph: (02) 95198890
This is the retail outlet for Windhorse Books. If you can get to Newtown, this bookshop is wonderful.
Lotus Bookshop
246 Crown St Wollongong 2500
Ph: (02) 4226 4740
www.lotusbooks.com.au
WEBSITES
Buddhanet: An Australian website, respected
http://www.buddhanet.net/insight.htm
This link gets you into online Vipassana meditation; guidelines, instruction, exercise in mindfulness etc.PLACES TO PRACTICE – AUSTRALIA
Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre
25 Rutland Road MEDLOW BATH 2780
Ph: 02 4788 1024
www.meditation.asn.au
Conducts regular meditation retreats in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw for beginners, as well as the experienced meditator.
Vipassana Meditation Centre
Po Box 103, Blackheath NSW 2785
Ph:02 4787 7436
www.bhumi.dhamma.org
Association of Engaged Buddhists
20 Victoria Street Lewisham 2049
Ph: 02 9590 3617
http://www.engagedbuddhists.org.au/
The Association of Engaged Buddhists is a group of lay Buddhist practitioners and resident ordained Monks and Nuns who are committed to putting the Dhamma into action within their own lives in order to be of benefit to all.
Established in 1993, the Association runs regular evenings of meditation at Sangha Lodge in Lewisham, as well as retreats, workshops and courses in response to specific needs. The Association’s main aim is to share in a non-sectarian way the many benefits of the Dhamma with the wider Australian community.
Vejjasala, located in Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is a place for healing founded by the Association of Engaged Buddhists. There is a full schedule of retreats conducted by Bhante Tejadhammo, the spiritual director of Vejjasala and other teachers. From time to time, Grahame is invited to teach retreat at this centre. Please check their website for retreat dates & further information.PLACES TO PRACTICE-INTERNATIONAL
Nirodha Trust: Sri Lanka www.nirodhatrust.org
Vipassana Hawaii: Hawaii www.vipassanahawaii.org
Little Bang Meditation Group www.littlebang.org