Essential Buddhadhamma: The Teachings and Practice of Theravada Buddhism by Bhikkhu P. A. Payutto

The Essential Buddhadhamma is an abridged translation of P. A. Payutto’s extensive presentation of Theravada Buddhism. Passages from the Pali canon accompany discussions of life, natural processes and Buddhist practice.

Translated by Bruce Evans, the volume examines dependent arising, karma, the four noble truths, wise attention and the noble eightfold path. It is a substantial doctrinal study rather than a brief introduction limited to relaxation or mindfulness exercises.