Narada Thera

Source: This anthology prepared by jtb for Access to Insight.

For free distribution. This work may be republished, reformatted, reprinted, and redistributed in any medium. It is the author's wish, however, that any such republication and redistribution be made available to the public on a free and unrestricted basis and that translations and other derivative works be clearly marked as such.

Buddhism in a Nutshell by Narada Thera (1982; 111k/37pp.): An excellent introductory overview of the fundamental principles of Buddhist doctrine. Topics covered include: the life of the Buddha, the Dhamma (Is it a philosophy? A religion? An ethical system?), the Four Noble Truths, the Law of Kamma, Rebirth, Dependent Origination, Anatta, and Nibbana. Recommended for beginners.
Everyman's Ethics, by Narada Thera (Buddhist Publication Society Wheel Publication No. 14; 1985; 20k/16pp.): Four discourses by the Buddha that are of particular value to laypeople: the Sigalovada, Maha-mangala, Parabhava, and Vyagghapajja suttas.