Make a Sutta Reading Practice Plan
By writing down our intentions to engage daily with the words of the Buddha, we increase our chances of success.
Hindrances to Reading
Bring the suttas alive by reading aloud
Buddhist scripture have been recited aloud since the time of the Buddha. In fact, without this recitation, usually as a group, we wouldn’t have the suttas with us today. You can continue this tradition by reading the suttas aloud. Even though we don’t need to recite out loud to preserve the teachings for future generations, … Read more
Reflections for Sutta Reading Practice
As we develop a daily habit of reading the suttas it is important that we always remember the reason we are reading the suttas: To develop our faith in the enlightenment of the Supreme Buddha and to put an end to the round of samsara. If we lose track of this purpose, we may not … Read more
Benefits of Having a Backup Text for Sutta Reading Practice
Be prepared for times when reading your regular book of suttas is difficult.
Almost Personal Anthology
One of the easiest ways to make a deep connection with the suttas is by creating a personal anthology. If you haven’t read the main article, this involves noticing when sutta passages are particularly meaningful to you and then copying them into a blank book. Then when the hindrances arise, you can quickly turn to … Read more
Motivate with Links of Dhamma
Use this easy technique to motivate yourself to stick with your reading practice even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
Walking Sutta Reading Practice
You’ve probably heard of walking meditation. And we know reading the suttas is meditative. So why not do the two together? If you have a safe place to walk unobstructed, try doing your sutta reading practice while walking. It has lots of benefits: Helps to overcome drowsiness. Can keep you focused on the text. It … Read more
Living with the Sallekha Sutta: Effacement, Majjhima Nikāya 8
One by one, little by little,moment by moment,a wise man should remove his own impuritiesas a smith removes the dross from silver. Dhammapada verse 239Translated by Acharya Buddharakkhita One of the ways the suttas come alive is by working to overcome specific unwholesome character traits. For example, when we make a wholehearted commitment to examine … Read more
Personal Anthology
When we read the suttas faithfully, we are going to find passages that strongly resonate with us. Turn those into a personal anthology.