Plain Dharma
Old Wisdom.Plain English.
The Buddha's foundational teachings, in modern English.
Six short sutras — the ones at the root of the whole tradition. They began as an oral tradition and were only later written down by monks, so they're translated here back toward the spoken word, for a first-time reader who'd rather understand than wade through footnotes. Free to read, free to copy, free to print, free to listen.
Download the Book
Available in paperback, ebook, audiobook, and app form.
The audiobook is a calm, narrated reading — about 38 minutes, chapter by chapter, with markers so you can move between teachings.
“I picked up the book to have a look, and I unintentionally read the whole thing. I really enjoyed it and found it very soothing.”
On your phone
Read and listen, anywhere
The free app keeps every teaching and its narration with you offline — pick up where you left off, even on a plane or in airplane mode. Your highlights and notes sync across your phone and the web.
Stay in touch
We're slowly publishing more — new translations, printed editions, audio. Get an email when something new goes up. No more than a handful a year.
The six teachings
- Dhammacakkappavattana Sutra
01The Buddha's First Talk
The four noble truths, taught for the first time.
- Anattalakkhana Sutra
02The Buddha's Second Talk
Why your mind and body are not really you.
- Adittapariyaya Sutra
03The Buddha's Third Talk: The Fire Sermon
We burn with wanting, anger, confusion. Let go.
- Metta Sutra
04On Loving-Kindness
Goodwill for all beings — almost a poem.
- Satipatthana Sutra
05The Foundations of Mindfulness
A guided meditation by the Buddha himself.
- Kalama Sutra
06How to Decide What to Believe
The Buddha's case for thinking for yourself.
