Visuddhimagga: The Path of Purification

One of Buddhism's foundational texts, the Visuddhimagga is a systematic examination and condensation of Buddhist doctrine and meditation technique. The various teachings of the Buddha found throughout the Pali canon are organized in a clear, comprehensive path leading to the final goal of nibbana, the state of complete purification. Originally composed in the fifth century by scholar monk and commentator Buddhaghosa this great compendium of Buddhist practice according to the ancient commentarial tradition will give astonishing insights into Buddhist practice. In the course of this treatise full and detailed instructions are given on 40 subjects of meditation aimed at concentration, an elaborate account of Buddhist Abhidhamma philosophy, and explicit descriptions of the stages of insight culminating in final liberation. The Visuddhimagga played a crucial part in all revival efforts of Buddhist meditation practice during the last one hundred years and inspired Jhana as well as Vipassana practitioners around the globe.