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• [21 December 2002] Excerpt from the Digha Nikaya
  • Cakkavatti Sutta (DN 26) — The Wheel-turning Emperor (excerpt) {D iii 58} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. In this excerpt the Buddha explains how skillful action can result in the best kind of long life, the best kind of beauty, the best kind of happiness.
• [5 December 2002] Two articles about meditation practice, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
  • "The Agendas of Mindfulness". Mindfulness meditation is sometimes described as a kind of "passive all-encompassing acceptance" of one's immediate experience. But, as the author reminds us in this essay, the Pali texts paint a very different picture of what meditation is all about: it is, in fact, a very pro-active process with a clear agenda.
  • "De-perception". When we sit down to meditate we usually bring along a host of assumptions about what our perceptions are, what our experience of meditation is like, and what it should be. As meditators, our task is to learn to ask the right questions — questions that will help us break through layer after layer of these false preconceived notions. This article, based on a Dhamma talk, is full of practical advice for meditators of all levels.
• [4 December 2002] "Samsara," by Thanissaro Bhikkhu Is samsara (the wearisome "wandering-on" from birth to death to rebirth) a place, or is it the process by which we create and re-create our own suffering? Here the author likens samsara to an addiction that we can choose to give up — or not. Which one shall it be?
• [3 December 2002] The 2003 calendar of uposatha observance days is here
• [1 December 2002] Some very short suttas from the Anguttara Nikaya
  • Lokapala Sutta (AN 2.9) — Guardians of the World {II,i,9; A i 50} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. Conscience and concern — two qualities that keep one from harm.
  • Bala-pandita Sutta (AN 2.21) — Fools & Wise People {II,iii,1; A i 59} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. What's the difference between a fool and a wise person?
  • Bala Sutta (AN 2.98) — Fools {II,x,1; A i 83} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. Two kinds of fools.
  • Dullabha Sutta (AN 2.119) — Hard to Find {II,xi,2; A i 86} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. A grateful person is hard to find.
  • Bhabba Sutta (AN 9.62) — Capable {A iv 456} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. Nine barriers to arahantship.
  • Sikkha-dubbalya Sutta (AN 9.63) — Things That Weaken the Training {A iv 457} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. How to overcome the obstructions to one's progress in meditation.
  • Nivarana Sutta (AN 9.64) — Hindrances {A iv 457} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. How to overcome the five hindrances.
• [7 November 2002] Five reflections for meditators (from the Anguttara Nikaya)
  • Sutadhara Sutta (AN 5.96) — One Who Retains What He Has Heard {A iii 119} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]
    Katha Sutta (AN 5.97) — Talk {A iii 119} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]
    Arañña Sutta (AN 5.98) — Wilderness {A iii 120} [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.].
    Three short suttas that describe five qualities a meditator should develop in order to reach the goal.