There are more than 1,600 web pages on this site, containing hundreds of books, articles, sutta translations, and more — all of which may be a bit overwhelming if you're new to the site or to the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Here are some starting points to help you get oriented.

General information about Theravada Buddhism:

• What is Theravada Buddhism?
• Theravada Buddhism: A Chronology
• A Sketch of the Buddha's Life: Readings from the Pali Canon
• Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism

Introduction to the Buddha's teachings:

• The Path to Freedom: A Self-guided Tour of the Buddha's Teachings
• The Nobility of the Truths, by Bhikkhu Bodhi
• Refuge: an Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
• Study Guides: annotated anthologies of short passages from the Canon, for individual or group study
• Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism
• Many of the Bodhi Leaves booklets offer personal reflections on Buddhism that newcomers often find helpful.

Beginning meditation:

• A Guided Meditation, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
• Buddho, by Ajaan Thate
• Starting Out Small: A Collection of Talks for Beginning Meditators, by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo

Reading the Suttas:

• Befriending the Suttas:
  • Why should I read the suttas?
  • Which suttas should I read?
  • How should I read a sutta?
• The Buddha's first sermon
• Read a random sutta

Useful reference points:

• Site map
• Frequently asked questions about the website
• How to download the entire website
• Help is never more than a click away: click on the Help link near the top right corner of each page.