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Affirming the Truths of the Heart: The Buddhist Teachings on Samvega & Pasada, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997; 13k/4pp.)
Popular interpretations of Buddhism today often ignore the importance of two powerful emotions, emotions that propelled the Buddha — and all those who have sought Awakening since — towards the goal of Awakening: samvega, a sense of urgency to escape the round of meaningless existence; and pasada, a clarity and serene confidence that allows one to proceed confidently towards the goal without lapsing into despair. In this short essay the author explores the meaning of these essential emotions and how we can encourage them to blossom in our lives. [A printed copy is included in the book Noble Strategy.]
All About Change, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2004; 18k/6pp.)
What did the Buddha really have to say about anicca — inconstancy and change? Does the fact of impermanence tell us (as some popular teachings claim) that we should learn to "embrace our experiences without clinging," that we have the freedom to "create whatever world we want to live in"? In fact, the Buddha's teachings on anicca offer something far more useful and profound. [A printed copy is included in the book Purity of Heart.]
No-self or Not-self?, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1996; 7k/2pp.)
Are the Buddhist teachings of not-self (anatta) to be taken as statements of metaphysical truth, or as a teaching device to assist the practitioner in reaching the final goal, which lies altogether outside the realm of "self" or "not-self"? As this compelling essay reveals, a careful look at the canonical teachings suggests the latter. (This is Ven. Thanissaro's second essay on the subject. For a more expanded treatment, with supporting quotes from the Pali canon, see his 1993 essay, "The Not-self Strategy.") [A printed copy is included in the book Noble Strategy.]
The Not-self Strategy, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1993; 24k/8pp.)
Is the central Buddhist teaching of anatta (not-self) a statement of metaphysical truth, or is it a strategy for gaining release from suffering? In this essay the author demonstrates, through a careful reading of the key passages from the Pali canon on the subject of anatta, that the latter may, in fact, be the case. (This is Ven. Thanissaro's first essay on the subject, containing quotes from the Pali canon to support his argument. It originally appeared in the magazine "Insight" in 1994. For a more concise treatment see his 1995 essay, "No-self or Not-self?.")
The Roots of Buddhist Romanticism, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Nibbana, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1996; 5k/2pp.)
This short essay sketches the use of fire imagery in early Buddhism to describe Nibbana, the goal of Buddhist practice. This essay is a good starting point before tackling the more comprehensive book on the same subject: The Mind Like Fire Unbound: An Image in the Early Buddhist Discourses. [A printed copy is included in the book Noble Strategy.]
Mindfulness Defined, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2008; 22k/6pp.)
Over the years the word sati has accumulated a host of meanings that go far beyond the Buddha's original definition of the word. Meditation practice calls for a clear understanding of what sati is and how to use it skillfully in concert with other mental qualities.
Ignorance, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2008; 12k/3pp.)
We're ignorant not for lack of information or knowledge, but because of the unskillful ways in which we handle stress and suffering. Develop the proper skills and Awakening is sure to follow.
Meditations: Forty Dhamma Talks, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2003; 460k/160pp.)
These short talks on meditation practice were given by Ajaan Geoff (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) during the evening meditation sessions at Metta Forest Monastery (California). Using breath meditation as the principal point of reference, these talks address a wide range of topics of practical interest to beginning and advanced meditators, alike. Topics range from the development of generosity, the cultivation of skillful qualities of mind, how to develop concentration, how to overcome fear, and so on — all the the way to the opening to the transcendent itself. This book is highly recommended.

[book icon] To request a free copy of this book, please write to: Metta Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA.

Meditations 2, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2006; 508k/139pp.)
More Dhamma talks from the evening meditation sessions at Metta Forest Monastery. This book is highly recommended.

[book icon] To request a free copy of this book, please write to: Metta Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082 USA.

Meditations 3, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2006; 478k/131pp.)
More Dhamma talks from the evening meditation sessions at Metta Forest Monastery. This book is highly recommended.

[book icon] To request a free copy of this book, please write to: Metta Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082 USA.

Educating Compassion, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2006; 19k/5pp.)
How can we best serve a loved one who is sick or dying? In such situations simply acting with compassion and mindfulness is not enough; there are skills we must learn before we can truly be of compassionate service. [A printed copy is included in the book Purity of Heart.]
The Economy of Gifts, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997; 12k/4pp.)
This short essay explores the vital role of giving (dana) in Theravada Buddhism, especially as it is expressed in the relation between the lay and monastic communities. These mutually dependent communities support one another by means of an economy based entirely on generosity itself, thus offering us a refreshing alternative to modern Western materialism.
Refuge: an Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2001; 220k/74pp.)
This short book provides an excellent introduction to the most basic principles of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha, collectively known as the Triple Gem or 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.

[book icon] To request a free copy of this book, please write to: Metta Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA.

Right Speech, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1999; 4k/2pp.)
For many of us, right speech is the most challenging of the precepts to honor. Yet practicing right speech is fundamental both to helping us become trustworthy individuals and to helping us gain mastery over the mind. So choose your words — and your motives for speaking — with care. [A printed copy is included in the book Noble Strategy.]
Reconciliation, Right & Wrong, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2004; 13k/4pp.)
The Buddha's many teachings include detailed instructions on conflict resolution. This essay explores how the Buddha's insights into the fundamental differences between forgiveness and true reconciliation form the cornerstone of a skillful approach to restoring and preserving communal harmony. [A printed copy is included in the book Purity of Heart.]