What’s at Stake as the Dharma Goes Modern?

http://tricycle.org/magazine/whats-stake-dharma-goes-modern/

What’s at Stake as the Dharma Goes Modern?

An exploration of the background assumptions of the modern age and the unique challenges they present

By Linda Heuman

FALL 2012

ANATTĀ & REBIRTH by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/Anatta_and_Rebirth.pdf

ANATTĀ & REBIRTH by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu 

A talk originally addressed to students of Puget Sound University in Seattle, Washington The explanations of rebirth they had heard seemed to contradict the principle of anattā. Tan Ajahn was asked to clarify the seeming contradiction.

Stories to Reflect Upon

http://www.slideshare.net/search/slideshow?lang=en&page=1&q=story-to-reflect-upon&qid=18af1c8d-f871-4b35-a597-5a5eb84d1860&searchfrom=header&sort=relevance

by Bro. Oh Teik Bin

Stories to Reflect Upon

The Decision to Become a Buddhist BY CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA RINPOCHE

http://www.lionsroar.com/the-decision-to-become-a-buddhist/?utm_content=buffer471e9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

The Decision to Become a Buddhist

BY CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA RINPOCHE| NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Taking refuge in the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha is something more than a ritual, wrote Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. By taking refuge, we are committing ourselves to freedom.

“I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the dharma.
I take refuge in the sangha.”

In the Buddhist tradition, the purpose of taking refuge is to awaken from confusion and associate oneself with wakefulness. Taking refuge is a matter of commitment and acceptance and, at the same time, of openness and freedom. By taking the refuge vow we commit ourselves to freedom.

Sensei Mui - The Ten Perfections - Part 1 to 8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Fbu9v80Vo&list=PLgd5q-JA8xpJW10jdiqdC4kSAXax-LUde

Sensei Mui - The Ten Perfections - Part 1 to 8
Theosophical Society Webinars

Teachings in Chinese Buddhism: Sunyata (Emptiness) in the Mahayana Context

http://www.buddhanet.net/cbp2_f6.htm

Teachings in Chinese Buddhism: Sunyata (Emptiness) in the Mahayana Context   

Is It Buddhism or Buddhisms?

http://buddhism.about.com/od/Living-A-Buddhist-Life/fl/Is-It-Buddhism-or-Buddhisms.htm

Is It Buddhism or Buddhisms?

"Buddhisms" Versus the Dharma

 

By Barbara O'Brien

In Conversation With Lama Yeshe Rabgye - Four Noble Truths

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn79N48s2k

In Conversation With Lama Yeshe Rabgye - Four Noble Truths

Published on Jun 28, 2015

In Conversation With....is a discussion on the essential teachings of Gautama Buddha, between Karma Yeshe Rabgye and Gargi Arora. In this episode they discuss the four noble truths.

Karma Yeshe Rabgye is a Buddhist monk and a renowned Buddhist teacher and author. Gargi Arora is a Sociology Teacher and a student of Lama Yeshe.

Visit www.buddhismguide.org for blogs, podcasts, guided meditations and information on Lama Yeshe's books.

The Enthusiastic Buddhist Suggested Reading

http://www.enthusiasticbuddhist.com/books-on-buddhism-suggested-reading/

The Enthusiastic Buddhist Suggested Reading

Books on Buddhism

We are so fortunate in the West to have so many great Buddhist books available for us to read. Over the years I have read many great books from all the three schools of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana (also known as Tibetan Buddhism). Of course there are many books I have yet to read, so I’m sure the list below is a work in progress.

Meanwhile I have composed this list of books based on ones I felt really stood out from the crowd. Most are Buddhist books, but a few are non-Buddhist which I found helped me to understand (and accept) some important Buddhist themes.

I have always found it is best to read intuitively – that the right book will come along at the right time. So here is a list of publications which I think are definitely worth a read and see what jumps out at you.

What is Buddhism (Audiobook)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glTcY7qzKk4

What is Buddhism (Audiobook)

Published on Apr 6, 2014

Presented by Venerable Master Chin Kung
Produce by Amitabha Buddhist Society Malaysia
www.amtb-m.org.my

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ilcJz2gcg0

The Roots of Buddhist Psychology Book by Jack Kornfield Audiobook Full

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao3pL8cim30

AUDIOBOOK This Moment Is the Perfect Teacher 10 Buddhist Teachings Full 

Download eBooks (PDF) on Insight and Loving-kindness Meditation

http://www.buddhanet.net/xmedfile.htm

Download eBooks (PDF) on Insight and Loving-kindness Meditation

(182 KB) Practical Vipassana Exercises — Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw.

The late Mahasi Sayadaw was responsible for the modern revival of Vipassana or Insight meditation in Myanmar (Burma). This text is his basic instruction on the practice: the preparatory stages with a series of basic exercises. Part two, deals with the deals with the progressive practice and the practical vipassana exercises. The appendix explains the techniques involved in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition.

(2,521 KB) Brahmavihara Dhamma — Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw.

This "Brahmavihara Dhamma" (Divine Abidings) expounded by the late Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, reveals the systematic method of developing Metta, loving-kindness towards all beings and the way to lead a life of holiness. The style of presentation and the informative materials contained therein stand witness to the depth and wealth of spiritual and scriptural knowledge of the eminent author. A careful reading of this Dhamma or teachings, followed by an unfailing practice of meditation that has been clearly presented in this text will, I believe, amount to storing a fortune in the shape of happiness in the present lifetime as well as higher spiritual attainment.

(590 KB) The Four Sublime States — Ven. Nyanaponika Thera.

Four sublime states of mind have been taught by the Buddha: Loving-kindness (metta), Compassion (karuna), Sympathetic Joy (mudita), Equanimity (upekkha) These four atitudes are said to be excellent or sublime because they are the right or ideal way of conduct towards living beings They provide, in fact, the answer to all situations arising from social contact. They are the great removers of tension, the great peacemakers in social conflict, and the great healers of wounds suffered in the struggle of existence. They level social barriers, build harmonious communities, awaken slumbering magnanimity long forgotten, revive joy and hope long abandoned, and promote human brotherhood against the forces of egotism.

(435 KB) Seven Stages of Purification & Insight Knowledges — Ven. Matara Sri Nanarama.

A guide to the progressive stages of Buddhist meditation. The seven stages of purification provide the framework for the practising disciple’s gradual progress from the cultivation of virtue up to the attainment of the final goal. Integral to the higher stages of purification are the nine types of insight-knowledge, by which the disciple breaks through the delusions covering his mental vision and penetrates through to the real nature of phenomena.

(340 KB) Dhamma Discourses on Vipassana Meditation — Ven. Sayadaw U Kundala.

Sayadaw U Kundala is a renowned meditation master in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition of Burma, noted for his loving-kindness. In these Dhamma talks the stages of the practice and the Insight Knowledges are explained. The method of meditation is given with detailed instruction. There is a detailed explanation of the Contemplation of Feelings, the second foundation of mindfulness, which, in the Theravada tradition, is the key to the Insight Knowledges. Overall, in the Sayadaw's teachings, there is much for the Vipassana or insight meditator to be inspired by.

(385 KB) A Guide to Awareness — H.H. Somdet Phra Ñanasamvara.

The Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthâna Sutta). This is a series of twenty-two talks given at Wat Bovornives, Bangkok by H.H.Somdet Phra Ñanasamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness is the Buddha's explanation of the practice of mindfulness meditation within the framework of four foundations of awareness: body, feelings, mind-states and the mental content. If you read this book, you will discover the truth of the 'knots' and problems that exist within you. In short, this can be described as the 'knot of suffering'. You may also then see the method to unravel and safeguard against this suffering.

(2,371 KB) On The Path To Freedom — Sayadaw U Pandita.

On The Path to Freedom - a mind of wise discernment and openness - by Burmese Meditation Master, Sayadaw U Pandita. This is a compilation of Dhamma discourses to foreign meditators at the Mahasi Meditation Centre, Rangoon, Myanmar, who came to practise under him in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) between August 1986 to March 1987. Translated from Myanmar by the late Mya Thaung.

(861 KB) Mindfulness: The Path of the Deathless — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho.

The aim of this book is to provide a clear instruction in and reflection on Buddhist meditation as taught by Ajahn Sumedho, a bhikkhu (monk) of the Theravadin tradition. It has been edited from talks Ajahn Sumedho has given to meditators as a practical approach to the wisdom of Buddhism. This wisdom is otherwise known as Dhamma or 'the way things are'. It is a step-by-step manual on the practice of meditation.

(671 KB) Frames of Reference — Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo.

"This book on the frames of reference is based to some extent on my own thoughts and opinions. In some spots it may not be directly in line with the original text (Satipatthâna Sutta), because my primary aim has been to get to the heart of the matter, so that it can be conveniently put into practice. The eBook also includes a section on the "Duties of the Sangha", that is, the laws and regulations and disciplinary standards (Vinaya).

(270 KB) Living Meditation, Living Insight — Dr. Thynn Thynn.

The Path of Mindfulness in Daily Life.  I wrote this book to encourage practitioners learning to meditate in daily life. In this sense, the articles are presented as a "hands-on" or, more accurately, a "minds-on" training manual. Although I discuss meditation in general, the real focus is on how the Dhamma brings us into spontaneous, wholesome and creative living. My objective in presenting the articles is to help the aspirant build up a solid foundation of mindfulness as a way of life rather than as a practice separated from daily living - Dr. Thynn Thynn.

(3,342 KB) Essentials of Insight Meditation Practice — Ven. Sujiva.

The ultimate aim of insight meditation is to “free” one from the unsatisfactoriness of cyclic existence. Readers may also find numerous quotations of the Buddha’s teaching on mindfulness, detachment and liberation throughout the entire book. Those verses act as a source of inspiration and purpose to put vipassana into practice — a practice that brings about insight into the three universal characteristics of unsatisfactoriness, impermanence and non-self which leads one into detachment and ultimate liberation.

(143 KB) For the Stilling of Volcanoes — Ven. Sujiva.

Insight Meditation as explained by Ven. Sujiva: "It is not an task easy to approach such a profound topic as Insight Meditation in simple terms. But we have got to start somewhere. After some years of introducing this type of meditation, I still find that there is a lack of introductory material for those without knowledge of Buddhism. What is available is often extremely technical and loaded with ancient Indian terminology. There are some words in the English vocabulary which we can never hope to substitute perfectly. Even in this booklet I have used some English words such as ‘conditioned’ and ‘suffering’ which need special explanation when used in a ‘Buddhist’ sense - but I have tried to come up with something easier to read and understand."

(211 KB) Loving-kindness Meditation — Ven. Sujiva.

Loving-kindness Meditation or Metta Bhavana and other Sublime States by Ven. Sujiva is a clear and comprehensive step-by-step explanation of the systematic practice. It is based on the Visuddhimagga or The Path of Purification by Buddhagosha. The texts describe metta as characterised by promoting the aspect of welfare. Amity, goodwill, friendliness and loving-kindness are some words used to describe this mental state. There is no better way to know it than to study it as it occurs in one's own and others' minds. It is a totally unselfish and pure state of mind that brings profit to oneself and others now and hereafter.

(100 KB) The Art of Attention — Ven. Pannyavaro.

This is a handbook on the art of meditative attention or meditating for insight.. It deals with the basics of awareness meditation. There is practical instruction on how to do sitting and walking meditation and how to apply awareness in daily activities based on the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition. The purpose of this handbook is to give the beginner to awareness meditation a guide to the basics of the practice, with the emphasis on its practical application to daily life. • Arabic version: The Art of Attention (564KB)

(158 KB) Insight Meditation Workshop Online — Ven. Pannyavaro.

Meditation is the intelligent heart of the Buddha's way; the only criterion is that you should apply it to daily life. The purpose of this meditation course is not to create a system of beliefs, but rather to give guidance on how to see clearly into the nature of the mind. In this way, you can have firsthand understanding of the way things are, without reliance on opinions or theories - a direct experience, which has its own vitality.  This course has been prepared with both beginners and experienced practitioners in mind. A feature of this online workshop is that you can go online and ask your question/s on meditation as the practice develops.

(4,366 KB) Note Large File Size Settling back into the moment — Joseph Goldstein.

A selection of verses from the book 'Experience of Insight' , by Joseph Goldstein. This book belongs to a different genre, not a book in the sense of having a beginning and an end. It is a compilation of excerpts that stand alone in meaning whichever way your finger may flip open the page. Readers are strongly encouraged to read Joseph Goldstein's "Experience of Insight - a simple and direct guide to Buddhist meditation.

(1,043 KB) Contemplation of the Mind — Bhikkhu Khemavamsa.

To put it simply this is a 'hands on' manual for Satipatthana Vipassana yogis (meditators) who are interested in emphasizing the mind in their meditation practice. As you read through you are likely to find it different from your regular Vipassana practice but very interesting, beneficial and enriching. Also it could be helpful in understanding your own practice better without having to 'convert' or change the way you meditate. This is about 'the watching of the mind by the mind' but not separating the mind from the rest of the Foundations of Mindfulness (Kaya-body, Vedana-feelings and Dhamma-mental objects), as this is impossible.

(2,842 KB) Hello - with Love & Other Meditations — Ven. Visuddhacara.

The three most important things in life are love, kindness and wisdom. If we have made these three values the priorities of our life, then our life will have been well-lived. When we die we can only have happiness when we look back and not regrets. Wealth, fame, power, status, worldly success and pleasures — these are insignificant compared to love, kindness and wisdom. Cultivate the latter. If we spend our life cultivating this trio, our birth and life will have been worthwhile; it will not have been in vain. In this booklet, Ven. Visuddhàcàra shares his understanding of this practice of mindfulness and lovingkindness with a view to encourage all of us to walk the path.

(1,681 KB) Metta Bhavana, Loving-kindness Meditation — Ven. Dhammarakkhita.

This is short explanation on how to practise Metta Bhavana or Loving-kindness Meditation given as a three-day weekend retreat at Dhammodaya Meditation Centre in Nakhon Pathom in Thailand, by an Australian monk, Ven. Dhammarakkhita (Jeff Oliver).

(80 KB) Seeding the Heart — Gregory Kramer.

Loving-kindness Meditation with Children. The practice of loving-kindness, or metta, can be done in one of two ways: either in intensive prolonged meditation to develop deep states of concentration, or in daily life at any time one meets with people and animals or thinks about them. To learn about the radiating of metta to all beings with children, we have to tap into the store of knowledge accumulated by lay people and parents. It must be knowledge which has grown out of years of living and loving with children and young adults. Gregory Kramer, father of three boys, shows us here with what subtle but precise adjustments in the standard practice of loving-kindness he was able to anchor it in the lives of his children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR-w4ez1ZMw

Buddhism & Philosophy: The Kalama Sutta

Published on Jan 23, 2015

K SRI DHAMMANANDA LECTURE SERIES 2015 at the Buddhist Maha Vihara on 23rd January 2015 entitled "BUDDHISM & PHILOSOPHY: The Kalama Sutta"

Pariyatti: Seeds of Awareness & Time to Breathe: Anapana Meditation for Children and Teens

http://store.pariyatti.org/Seeds-of-Awareness--Video-Downloads-and-Streaming_p_4398.html
and
http://store.pariyatti.org/Time-to-Breathe--Video-Streaming-and-Download_p_4408.html

Seeds of Awareness & Time to Breathe

Anapana Meditation for Children and Teens 

Description

Seeds of Awareness documents modern children's experiences with Anapana meditation. This breath awareness technique dates back to the Buddha. Today it is available in short courses tailored for children and teens. The film outlines the course process and impact. In interviews, participants, parents and teachers talk of how Anapana helps in dealing with the pressures of school, family and social life, as well as the challenges and benefits - calmness, improved concentration and compassion.

Author: Marta Van Patten Product Type: MP4 Video Item Id: 721171

This item is offered freely. If you wish, you may donate and help us continue offering these services

Journey Into Buddhism: Season 1

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELWbOIZ3XcKck

Journey Into Buddhism: Season 1

 From PBS - These visually stunning documentaries are cinematic pilgrimages to legendary places in Southeast Asia and Tibet, including the spiritual wonders of Laos, Thailand, Burma, Bali, Cambodia, Java, and Central Tibet. Journey into the living traditions and lost civilizations of this vibrant part of the world and explore the universal ideals of wisdom, compassion, and inner peace at the very heart of these ancient Buddhist cultures.

ANIMALS AND THE BUDDHA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0MWAAykFuc

ANIMALS AND THE BUDDHA 

Published on Oct 17, 2014

A film by Dharma Voices for Animals

Featuring interviews with world-renowned monastics and lay teachers including Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, Jetsuma (Ven. Master) Tenzin Palmo, Ven. Bhante Gunaratana (Bhante G), Christopher Titmuss, Ven. Geshe Phelgye, teachers from Spirit Rock Meditation Center and many others.

The twelve-Linked Chain of Dependent Origination (PIYADASSI THERA)

http://metta.lk/english/cause-effect.htm#Cau_introduction


The twelve-Linked Chain of Dependent Origination

THE LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT BY PIYADASSI THERA

INDEX

	Introduction
i.	Ignorance (avijjà)
ii.	Volitional formations (sa§khàrà)
iii.	Consciousness (vi¤¤àõa)
iv.	Mentality-materiality (nàma-råpa)
v.	The sixfold base (saëàyatana)
vi.	Contact (phassa)
vii.	Feeling (vedanà)
viii.	Craving (taõhà)
ix.	Clinging (upàdàna)
x.	Becoming (bhava)
xi.	Birth (jàti)
xii.	Ageing and death (jarà-maraõa)
	Pañicca samuppàda (anuloma)
	Pañicca samuppàda (pañiloma)
	Translation

An Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, & Sangha, Thanissaro Bhikkhu

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/refuge.html

An Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, & Sangha

Refuge

An Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, & Sangha

by

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

© 2001

Alternate formats: To request a printed copy of this book, please write to: Metta Forest Monastery, P.O. Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA.

They go to many a refuge, to mountains, forests, parks, trees, and shrines: people threatened with danger. That's not the secure refuge, that's not the highest refuge, that's not the refuge, having gone to which, you gain release from all suffering and stress. But when, having gone for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, you see with right discernment the four Noble Truths — stress, the cause of stress, the transcending of stress, and the Noble Eightfold Path, the way to the stilling of stress: That's the secure refuge, that, the highest refuge, that is the refuge, having gone to which, you gain release from all suffering and stress.

— Dhammapada, 188-192

Contents

• Preface
• I. Introduction
• • Going for Refuge
• II. Readings
• • Buddha
  • Dhamma
  • • Basic Principles
    • Generosity
    • Virtue
    • Heaven
    • Drawbacks
    • Renunciation
    • The Four Noble Truths
    • Liberation
  • Sangha
• III. Essays
• • Buddha
  • • The Meaning of the Buddha's Awakening
  • Dhamma
  • • Life Isn't Just Suffering
    • No-self or Not-self?
    • Nibbana
  • Sangha
  • • The Economy of Gifts
  • Summary
  • • A Refuge in Skillful Action
• Glossary
• Abbreviations

Preface

This book is a short introduction to the basic principles of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dhamma (his teachings), and Sangha (the community of his noble disciples), also known as the Triple Gem or the Triple Refuge. The material is divided into three parts: (I) an introductory essay on the meaning of refuge and the act of going for refuge; (II) a series of readings drawn from the earliest Buddhist texts illustrating the essential qualities of the Triple Gem; and (III) a set of essays explaining aspects of the Triple Gem that often provoke questions in those who are new to the Buddha's teachings. This last section concludes with an essay that summarizes, in a more systematic form, many of the points raised in the earlier parts of the book.
The readings on Dhamma form the core of the book, organized in a pattern — called a graduated discourse (anupubbi-katha) — that the Buddha himself often used when introducing his teachings to new listeners. After beginning with the joys of generosity, he would describe the joys of a virtuous life, followed by the rewards of generosity and virtue to be experienced here and, after death, in heaven; the drawbacks of sensual pleasures, even heavenly ones; and the rewards of renunciation. Then, when he sensed that his listeners were inclined to look favorably on renunciation as a way to true happiness, he would discuss the central message of his teaching: the four noble truths.
My hope is that this introduction will help answer many of the questions that newcomers bring to Buddhism, and will spark new questions in their minds as they contemplate the possibility of developing within their own lives the qualities of refuge exemplified by the Triple Gem.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Metta Forest Monastery
Valley Center, CA 92082-1409
U.S.A.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/refuge.html

Dhamma

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/index.html

Dhamma

© 2005

A Gradual Training

The Dhamma, the truth taught by the Buddha, is uncovered gradually through sustained practice. The Buddha made clear many times that Awakening does not occur like a bolt out of the blue to the untrained and unprepared mind. Rather, it culminates a long journey of many stages:[1]

Just as the ocean has a gradual shelf, a gradual slope, a gradual inclination, with a sudden drop-off only after a long stretch, in the same way this Doctrine and Discipline (dhamma-vinaya) has a gradual training, a gradual performance, a gradual progression, with a penetration to gnosis only after a long stretch.

— Ud 5.5

Monks, I do not say that the attainment of gnosis is all at once. Rather, the attainment of gnosis is after gradual training, gradual action, gradual practice. And how is there the attainment of gnosis after gradual training, gradual action, gradual practice? There is the case where, when conviction has arisen, one visits [a teacher]. Having visited, one grows close. Having grown close, one lends ear. Having lent ear, one hears the Dhamma. Having heard the Dhamma, one remembers it. Remembering, one penetrates the meaning of the teachings. Penetrating the meaning, one comes to an agreement through pondering the teachings. There being an agreement through pondering the teachings, desire arises. When desire has arisen, one is willing. When one is willing, one contemplates. Having contemplated, one makes an exertion. Having made an exertion, one realizes with the body the ultimate truth and, having penetrated it with discernment, sees it.

— MN 70

The Buddha's teachings are infused with this notion of gradual development. His method of "gradual instruction" (anupubbi-katha), which appears in various forms in countless suttas, always follows the same arc: he guides newcomers from first principles through progressively more advanced teachings, all the way to the fulfillment of the Four Noble Truths and the full realization of nibbana:

Then the Blessed One, having encompassed the awareness of the entire assembly with his awareness, asked himself, "Now who here is capable of understanding the Dhamma?" He saw Suppabuddha the leper sitting in the assembly, and on seeing him the thought occurred to him, "This person here is capable of understanding the Dhamma." So, aiming at Suppabuddha the leper, he gave a step-by-step talk, i.e., a talk on giving, a talk on virtue, a talk on heaven; he declared the drawbacks, degradation, & corruption of sensual passions, and the rewards of renunciation. Then when he saw that Suppabuddha the leper's mind was ready, malleable, free from hindrances, elated, & bright, he then gave the Dhamma-talk peculiar to Awakened Ones, i.e., stress, origination, cessation, & path. And just as a clean cloth, free of stains, would properly absorb a dye, in the same way, as Suppabuddha the leper was sitting in that very seat, the dustless, stainless Dhamma eye arose within him, "Whatever is subject to origination is all subject to cessation."

— Ud 5.3

At each stage of this "gradual training" (anupubbi-sikkha), the practitioner discovers a new and important dimension of the law of cause-and-effect — kamma, the cornerstone of Right View. It is thus a very useful organizing framework with which to view the entirety of the Buddha's teachings.
The gradual training begins with the practice of generosity, which helps begin the long process of weakening the unawakened practitioner's habitual tendencies to cling — to views, to sensuality, and to unskillful modes of thought and behavior. This is followed by the development of virtue, the basic level of sense-restraint that helps the practitioner develop a healthy and trustworthy sense of self. The peace of mind born from this level of self-respect provides the foundation for all further progress along the path. The practitioner now understands that some kinds of happiness are deeper and more dependable than anything that sense-gratification can ever provide; the happiness born of generosity and virtue can even lead to rebirth in heaven — either literal or metaphorical. But eventually the practitioner begins to recognize the intrinsic drawbacks of even this kind of happiness: as good as rebirth in wholesome states may be, the happiness it brings is not a true and lasting one, for it relies on conditions over which he or she ultimately has no control. This marks a crucial turning point in the training, when the practitioner begins to grasp that true happiness will never be found in the realm of the physical and sensual world. The only possible route to an unconditioned happiness lies in renunciation, in turning away from the sensual realm, by trading the familiar, lower forms of happiness for something far more rewarding and noble. Now, at last, the practitioner is ripe to receive the teachings on the Four Noble Truths, which spell out the course of mental training required to realize the highest happiness: nibbana.
Many Westerners first encounter the Buddha's teachings on meditation retreats, which typically begin with instructions in how to develop the skillful qualities of right mindfulness and right concentration. It is worth noting that, as important as these qualities are, the Buddha placed them towards the very end of his gradual course of training. The meaning is clear: to reap the most benefit from meditation practice, to bring to full maturity all the qualities needed for Awakening, the fundamental groundwork must not be overlooked. There is no short-cutting this process.
Here is the Buddha's six-stage gradual training in more detail:

1. Generosity (dana)
2. Virtue (sila)
   • The 5 Precepts
   • The 8 Precepts
   • The 10 Precepts
   • Uposatha observance days
3. Heaven (sagga)
   • The Thirty-one Planes of Existence
4. Drawbacks (adinava)
5. Renunciation (nekkhamma)
6. The Four Noble Truths (cattari ariya saccani)
   1. The Noble Truth of Dukkha (dukkha ariya sacca)
      • Dukkha
      • The round of rebirth (samsara)
   2. The Noble Truth of the Cause of Dukkha (dukkha samudayo ariya sacca)
      • Craving (tanha)
      • Ignorance (avijja)
   3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Dukkha (dukkha nirodho ariya sacca)
      • Nibbana
   4. The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha (dukkha nirodha gamini patipada ariya sacca) — The Noble Eightfold Path. The Commentaries group the eight path factors into three divisions:

      Discernment (pañña):

      • 1. Right View (samma-ditthi)
        • Intentional action (kamma)
        • Admirable friendship (kalyanamittata)
      • 2. Right Resolve (samma-sankappo)

      Virtue (sila):

      • 3. Right Speech (samma-vaca)
      • 4. Right Action (samma-kammanto)
      • 5. Right Livelihood (samma-ajivo)

      Concentration (samadhi):

      • 6. Right Effort (samma-vayamo)
      • 7. Right Mindfulness (samma-sati)
      • 8. Right Concentration (samma-samadhi)
        • Jhana

Notes

1.

Countless students over the centuries have invested their time and energy grappling with the question, "Is Enlightenment 'sudden' or is it 'gradual'?" These and other passages from the Canon make the Buddha's own view on the matter quite clear: The mind develops gradually, until it is ripe to make that sudden leap to Awakening.

See also:Refuge: An Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.