While the SBS Pāli Study Tools page provides extensive resources for learning Pāli, it is highly recommended first establish a strong foundation in the Dhamma and Vinaya in English or their native language. Building a comprehensive understanding of the teachings in a familiar language ensures that subsequent Pāli studies are grounded in practical comprehension. Only after completing this foundational study is it recommended to begin formal Pāli language study.
• The Suttas: Reading the major Sutta collections is essential. The translations by Bhikkhu Bodhi are generally recommended as a standard starting point. However, alternative translations, such as those freely available on SuttaCentral or by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro, are also excellent resources. • The Vinaya: For an introduction to monastic discipline, reading at least the first volume of the Buddhist Monastic Code (BMC) by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro is highly advised.
The Buddha’s teachings are fundamentally practical advice meant to be applied. Regardless of the study method chosen, the goal should be to integrate the knowledge gained directly into daily life and meditation practice. Here are three effective approaches to begin studying the Suttas:
• “In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon” compiled by Bhikkhu Bodhi. • “The wings to Awakening An Anthology from the Pali Canon” compiled by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro.
Thematic Study This method involves selecting a specific topic of personal interest—such as Kamma (action), Sīla (virtue), or Mettā (loving-kindness)—and reading all related suttas. • [SuttaCentral] (https://suttacentral.net/subjects?lang=en) provides indexes and lists organized by subject matter to facilitate this type of targeted study. • More comprehensive index can be found here
Sequential Reading For those who prefer to read an entire collection from beginning to end, the Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses) is an ideal starting point. The suttas in this collection are generally short, accessible, and heavily focused on practical application for both monastics and laypeople. Then one may read MN, SN, and DN. As well as the early part of the Khuddaka Nikāya (e.g. Dhammapada, Udāna verses, Itivuttaka, Sutta Nipāta, and the Thera- and Therigāthā).
It is advisable to finish reading all early suttas before proceed to study Pali.
For readers transitioning toward Pāli study, there is an excellent online tool that displays Bhikkhu Bodhi’s English translations side-by-side with the original Pāli text.
Here at SBS, we usually advise people interested in going forth to start with DhammaVinaya education in English. We recommend reading all the Suttas in the Bhikkhu Bodhi translation. In my opinion, it’s the best available translation, but other translations like those on SuttaCentral or Aj Thannissaro are also good enough . After reading the Suttas, I suggest reading at least the first book of the BMC - Buddhist Monastic Code.