Vipassana
telle que l'enseignent S.N. Goenka
Méditation
dans la tradition de Sayagyi U Ba Khin
List of Publications for Vipassana Meditators
Mr. & Mrs. S.N. GOENKA
The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S.N. Goenka, by William Hart
The definitive overview of the teaching of S.N. Goenka, prepared under his guidance. Very useful for meditators and non-meditators alike. (Harper & Row, 1987)
The Discourse Summaries, by S.N. Goenka
A condensation of each of the eleven discourses given by S.N. Goenka in a ten-day Vipassana meditation course. Also includes Pali passages quoted in the discourses with their translation, and a glossary of Pali terms. (Vipassana Research Institute (VRI), 1995)
The Gracious Flow of Dharma, by S.N. Goenka
A series of public talks given over three days in Hyderabad, India. (VRI, 1994)
The Gem Set in Gold, by S.N. Goenka
Translations of Goenkaji’s Pali and Hindi chanting in the 10-day course. (VRI and Pariyatti, 2006)
For the Benefit of Many: Questions and Answers, with S.N. Goenka
Q&A and talks by S.N. Goenka about the practice of Vipassana. (VRI, 2002; Pariyatti, 2016)
The Chronicles of Dhamma: Articles from the Vipassana Newsletter, by S.N. Goenka
An inspiring collection of articles from Vipassana Newsletters, arranged by theme. (VRI, 2012)
Satipatthana Sutta Discourses of S.N. Goenka, ed. Patrick Given-Wilson
A Summary of S.N. Goenka’s discourses from the Mahasatipatthana Sutta Course. (Pariyatti, 1996; VRI, 1999)
Dhamma Treasures: Living a Life of Dhamma, by S.N. Goenka
A compilation of Goenkaji’s articles and discourses on various aspects of Vipassana, coupled with inspirational stories of senior meditators. (VRI, 2019)
Dhamma Verses, by S.N. Goenka
A collection of inspiring Hindi dohas (couplets) composed and chanted by S.N. Goenka. The book contains Hindi and English translations. (VRI and Pariyatti, 2000)
Come, People of the World, by S.N. Goenka
An inspirational collection of Hindi verses of S.N. Goenka from a Vipassana course. (VRI, 1992)
Sayagyi U Ba Khin
Sayagyi U Ba Khin Journal
This commemorative journal includes writings and talks of S.N. Goenka’s teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, and articles about Vipassana by Goenkaji and other meditators. (VRI, 1991; Pariyatti 2017)
The Clock of Vipassana Has Struck, ed. Pierluigi Confalonieri
This story of Sayagyi U Ba Khin and his teaching is set in context by an interview with S.N. Goenka. The volume also includes some of Sayagyi’s writings and discourses and was first published to commemorate the centenary of his birth. (VRI, 1999; Pariyatti, 2003)
The Essentials of Buddha-Dhamma in Meditative Practice, by Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
A brief essay of concision, clarity, and power about the technique of Vipassana. (VRI, Pariyatti, 1995)
Other Books on Vipassana by Vipassana Meditators
A Meditator’s Handbook, by William Crecelius
A practical and readable guide to maintaining and developing the practice of Vipassana after completing a course, written by a Western Vipassana Teacher, one of the early students of Goenkaji. (Pariyatti, 2015)
Karma and Chaos, by Paul R Fleischman, M.D.
Collected essays on Vipassana meditation and its intersections with science and psychology by an eminent psychiatrist who practices and teaches Vipassana, and who was appointed by Goenkaji to speak and write about Vipassana. (Pariyatti, 1999)
An Ancient Path, by Paul R Fleischman, M.D.
A collection of Paul Fleischman’s public talks on Vipassana meditation. (Pariyatti, 2009)
A Practical and Spiritual Path, by Paul R Fleischman, M.D.
An article in which Paul Fleischman describes the practical value and spiritual features of Vipassana meditation. (PDF, Pariyatti, 2015)
Vipassana and the Scientific Worldview, by Paul R Fleischman
A booklet on how the ancient practice of Vipassana resonates with the modern world of science. Second edition, revised and with new essays. (Pariyatti, 2020)
The Art of Dying, ed. Virginia Hamilton
An inspiring collection of articles on facing the end of life, by Vipassana meditators including S.N. Goenka. (Pariyatti, 2014)
Caravan of Dhamma, by Dhananjay Chavan
A diary of Goenkaji and Mataji’s tour of Europe and North America from April to August 2002. (VRI, 2004)
Realising Change: Vipassana Meditation in Action, ed. Ian Hetherington
Personal stories and recollections of meditators from all walks of life and all around the world about how practising Vipassana transformed their lives. (VRI, 2003; Pariyatti, 2010)
The Way to Ultimate Calm, by Webu Sayadaw
A motivating collection of talks and questions and answers on the practice of Dhamma by an eminent Burmese monk, who first encouraged U Ba Khin to commence teaching Vipassana, concluding with an account of their Dhamma friendship. (BPS, 2007; Pariyatti, 2013)
Manual of Vipassana Meditation, by U Ko Lay
Three primary discourses of the Buddha that relate to the practice of Vipassana are explained by the late U Ko Lay: former Vice-Chancellor of Mandalay University and long-time student of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. (VRI, 2002)
A Re-appraisal of Patanjali’s Yoga-sutras in the light of the Buddha’s Teaching, by S.N. Tandon
This book attempts to interpret the Yoga-Sutras in the light of the Buddha's teachings. It studies in-depth the similarities and dissimilarities of the two. (VRI, 1995)
Ledi Sayadaw
The Manuals of Dhamma, by Ledi Sayadaw
A comprehensive set of analytical writings on the practice of Dhamma, by the preeminent Burmese monk Ledi Sayadaw (1846-1923) who was noted for teaching Vipassana to lay people, including Sayagyi U Ba Khin’s teacher Saya Thetgyi. (VRI, 1999; Pariyatti, 2016)
A Manual of the Excellent Man: Uttamapurisa Dipani, by Ledi Sayadaw, tr. U Yin Oo (Myaung), ed. Bikkhu Pesala
Originally written in response to questions from a lay follower, this is a very accessible starting point to the writings of Ledi Sayadaw. (Not included in The Manuals of Dhamma) (BPS, 1972, Pariyatti, 2016)
The Manual of Insight and the Noble Eightfold Path and its Factors Explained, by Ledi Sayadaw
This small book comprises two of the chapters of The Manuals of Dhamma: ‘The Manual of Insight’ (Vipassana Dipani), written in 1914-15, was translated into English by U Nyana. ‘The Noble Eightfold Path and its Factors Explained’ (Magganga Dipani), was translated by U Saw Tun Teik. (Pariyatti, 2017)
The Manual of Light and the Path to Higher Knowledge, by Ledi Sayadaw
This volume focuses on developing knowledge of kamma, causality, mind-matter phenomena and the three characteristics of existence: anicca, dukkha and anatta. (BPS, 2007; Pariyatti 2018)
The Requisites of Enlightenment, by Ledi Saydaw, tr. U Sein Nyo Tun
Another chapter from The Manuals of Dhamma: Bodhipakkhiya Dipani, separately published as a small book. (BPS, 1971; Pariyatti, 2013)
Life and Teaching of the Buddha
Mahasatipatthana Sutta
A major discourse of the Buddha which explains the practice of Vipassana. Original Pali, with English translation on opposing pages. (VRI, 1993; Pariyatti, 2005)
Life of the Buddha, by Bhikkhu Nanamoli
An invaluable resource: the Buddha’s life told through translated excerpts from the Pali canon. (Pariyatti, 2001)
What the Buddha Taught, by Walpola Rahula
A very readable, modern presentations of the Buddha's teaching. (Grove Press, 1974)
The Buddha's Ancient Path, by Piyadassi Thera
The basic teaching of the Buddha, with extensive references to the original texts. (BPS, 1974; Pariyatti, 2017)
Buddhism in a Nutshell, by Narada Thera
An outline of the Buddha's teaching, with references to Western thought. (BPS, 1966; Pariyatti, 2016)
Inspiration from Enlightened Nuns, by Susan Elbaum Jootla
An exploration of several poems from the Therigatha – the part of the Pali Canon home to verses of Arahat bhikkhunis – with a special emphasis on how the experiences they express can help meditators today. (BPS, 1984)
The Four Sublime States & The Practice of Loving-Kindness, by Nyanaponika Thera and Nanamoli Thera
Essays on the practice of metta and the meaning and interrelatedness of the ‘four sublime states’: metta, compassion, equanimity and sympathetic joy. (BPS, 1993; Pariyatti, 2002)
Udana and Itivuttaka, tr. John Ireland
The Udana is a compilation of 80 ‘inspired utterances’, each expressing the Buddha’s insight into the profound significance of apparently simple events. The Itivuttaka is a collection of 112 short discourses in both prose and verse. (BPS, 1994; Pariyatti, 2018)
In the Buddha’s Words, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
An anthology of important excerpts from the Pali canon, translated and arranged thematically with introductory essays to each section. (Wisdom, 2005)
Great Disciples of the Buddha, by Nyanaponika Thera, Hellmuth Hecker, ed. Bhikkhu Bodhi
The lives of the meditators closest to the Buddha, including lay followers, told in approachable and moving stories drawn from the Pali Canon. (Wisdom, 1997)
Buddha’s Teaching on Social and Community Harmony, tr. and ed. Bhikkhu Bodhi
A collection of the Buddha's teachings on conflict resolution, interpersonal and social problem-solving, and the forging of harmonious relationships. The selections are all drawn from the Pali Canon, translated and organised into ten thematic chapters. (Wisdom, 2016)
Essence of Tipitaka, by U Ko Lay
A concise guide to the voluminous teachings of the Buddha contained in the Pali Canon. (VRI, 1998)
The Buddha as Depicted in the Tipitaka, Volumes 1 & 2, by S.N. Goenka. (Translated from Hindi by Angraj Chaudhary)
Goenkaji has extracted descriptions of the Buddha and his teachings from the Pali canon. He says: “The Tipitaka is like a vast, captivating garden containing beautiful flowers of different hues and fragrances.”. (VRI 2019)
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita
An anthology of 423 verses spoken by the Buddha. Originally published by BPS in 1990. (Pariyatti 2019)
A Buddhist Dictionary, by Nyanatiloka Thera
Definition of the important terms in the teaching of the Buddha, arranged in alphabetical order. (BPS, 1952; Pariyatti, 2019)
Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, by G.P. Malalasekera
A three-volume dictionary containing comprehensive entries, in English, about the people and place names appearing in the Buddha’s discourses. (PTS, 1997)
Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
An updated edition of Ven. Narada's classic which explains the basic principles of the Abhidhamma. (BPS, 1993; Pariyatti, 1999)
Process of Consciousness and Matter, by Ven. Dr. Rewata Dhamma
Intended as a supplement to the Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, this clear and concise book explains in detail the processes of mind and matter. (Pariyatti, 2015)
Visuddhimagga: The Path of Purification, by Acariya Buddhaghosa, tr. Nanamoli
An encyclopaedic manual of doctrine and meditation written in the fifth century by the great commentator on the Pali Canon, Buddhaghosa. (BPS, 1975; Pariyatti, 1999)
Sutta Collections
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima-Nikaya, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
This comprehensive collection of the Buddha’s discourses – among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings – contains 152 suttas. (Wisdom, 1995)
The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digha Nikaya, by Maurice O'C. Walshe
A collection of thirty-four longer-length suttas, including the Mahasatipatthana Sutta and the Mahaparinibbana Sutta. (Wisdom, 1996)
Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
The Samyutta Nikaya consists of fifty-six chapters, each governed by a unifying theme. It brings together many important short discourses of the Buddha on major topics such as dependent origination, the five aggregates, the six sense bases, the seven factors of enlightenment, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths. (Wisdom, 2003)
The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha : A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya Sutta Nipata, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
A comprehensive translation of a part of the Buddha’s Teachings specifically for lay people and families. Themes including family life, right livelihood, friendship, and meditation. (Wisdom, 2012)
The Suttanipata : An Ancient Collection of Buddha's Discourses, tr. Bhikkhu Bodhi
This volume includes some of the most popular discourses of the Pali Canon, including the Metta Sutta, Ratana Sutta and Mangala Sutta. The suttas are primarily in verse, though several are in mixed prose and verse. The volume also includes a translation of the commentaries, which relate the background story to each sutta and explain each verse in detail. (Wisdom 2017)
Seminars and Conferences
Vipassana, its Relevance to the Present World
A collection of papers presented at a conference in New Delhi in 1994, organised by VRI, discussing the benefit of Vipassana in the fields of education, prison reform, and improved management in business and Government. (VRI, 1995)
Dharma - its True Nature
The conference at which these papers were given was held at VRI in 1995 for a diverse audience; its purpose was to understand the meaning of the word ‘Dhamma/Dharma’ and how to apply it in life. (VRI, 1995)
Vipassana: Addiction and Health
A collection of papers presented at a seminar at VRI in 1989, whose twin objectives were the study and exploration of Vipassana as a technique for improving health, and to look into its use in rehabilitation from addiction. (VRI, 1990)
The Importance of Vedana and Sampajanna
A collection of the papers presented at a seminar given at VRI in 1990, organised to help explain the terms ‘vedana’ and ‘sampajanna’, the understanding of which are crucial to the practice of Vipassana. (VRI, 1990)
Psychological Effects of Vipassana on Tihar Jail Inmates
A volume containing the findings of research into the impact of Vipassana meditation on prisoners of Tihar Jail, which held its first 10-day course in 1993 and currently houses a permanent Vipassana Centre. (VRI, 1995)
Large, Hard Cover Photo Books
The Wheel of Dhamma Rotates Around the World
Photos and descriptions of Vipassana meditation centres around the world. (VRI, 2010)
Pilgrimage to the Sacred Land of Dhamma
An inspiring collection of photos and articles from the 2004 Myanmar pilgrimage which Goenkaji and Mataji led for hundreds of Vipassana students from around the world. (VRI, 2009)
Vipassana Meditation and its Relevance to the World
A colourful, photographic book containing information about Vipassana meditation, the chain of teachers and impact of Vipassana meditation on various factors of the society, along with details about the spread of Vipassana in modern times. (VRI, 2011)
The Great Buddha’s Noble Teaching
A book containing information on life of the Buddha, stories of the people who benefitted from the practice of Vipassana, the six historical Councils, chain of teachers after the Buddha and spread of Vipassana, with pictures from the gallery at the Global Vipassana Pagoda. (VRI, 2011)
Textbooks and Dictionaries of the Pali Language
Introduction to Pali, by A.K. Warder
The standard textbook for Pali study, prepared for use in Western university courses. 3rd ed. (Pali Text Society, (PTS), 1999)
Pali-English Dictionary, by T.W. Rhys-Davids and W.F. Stede
The standard dictionary in the field. (PTS, 1987)
Pali Workbook
A helpful introduction to Pali based on Pali words used in a 10-day Vipassana course. (Pariyatti, 1998)
Buddhavacana: a Pali Reader, by Glenn Wallis
A resource for Pali study based on 16 suttas: each sutta is followed by a word-by-word guide, with brief grammatical annotations, and translations are given at the back of the book. (Pariyatti, 2011)
Books for Children
Path of Joy
An illustrated, comic-book style introduction to Anapana courses for children. (VRI, 1993)
Prince Siddhartha, by Jonathan Landaw and Janet Brooke
A beautifully illustrated story of the boy who grew up to become the Buddha, for ages 7 and up. (Wisdom, 1984)
A Treasury of Wise Action, by Rosalyn White
Based on the previous lives of the Buddha (Jataka Tales), a chapter-book of 22 stories celebrating the power of action motivated by compassion, love and wisdom. Especially for ages 7-12. (Dharma Publishing, 1981)
A Jataka Tale series, by Rosalyn White
Picture books based on Jataka Tales, each focusing on the development of a particular good quality. Titles include: A Precious Life, Heart of Gold, Courageous Captain, Magic of Patience, Value of Friends, Power of a Promise. (Dharma Publishing)
Poetry
- Therigatha: Poems of the First Buddhist Women, tr. Charles Hallisey. (Harvard University Press, 2015)
- The Moon Appears when the Water is Still: Reflections of the Dhamma, by Ian McCrorie. (Pariyatti, 20013)
- Children of Silence and Slow Time, by Ian McCrorie. (Pariyatti, 2012)
- You Cannot Speak up too Often for the Love of All Things, by Paul Fleischman. (Pariyatti, 2005)
- The Moving World, by Michael Heald. (Fremantle Press, 2011)
Suppliers of Books about Vipassana
These sites also have downloads of free resources
