Plain Dharma
Old wisdom.Plain English.
The Buddha's foundational teachings, in plain modern English.
Six short readings — the ones at the root of the whole tradition — rendered for a first-time reader who'd rather have the meaning land than wade through the footnotes. Free to read, free to copy, free to print, free to translate.
The six teachings
- Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
01The Buddha's First Talk
The middle path, the four truths, and the eightfold way to live.
- Anattalakkhana Sutta
02The Buddha's Second Talk
Why the body, feelings, perceptions, and even awareness aren't you.
- Adittapariyaya Sutta
03The Buddha's Third Talk: The Fire Sermon
Everything is on fire. What is burning, and how to cool down.
- Metta Sutta
04On Loving-Kindness
Hold the wish that every living thing, without exception, be at ease.
- Satipatthana Sutta
05The Foundations of Mindfulness
Watch the body, feelings, mind, and contents of experience clearly.
- Kalama Sutta
06How to Decide What to Believe
Don't take anything on authority. Test it for yourself, against what you can actually see.