Shaila has authored two books that provide practical instructions for deepening concentration, establishing the four jhānas, and applying the concentrated mind to insight practice. Her first book, Focused and Fearless, emphasizes mindfulness with breathing (anapanasati samadhi) as the means for developing the sign of concentration (nimitta) and entering jhāna. Her second book, Wisdom Wide and Deep, offers a comprehensive system for developing jhāna and insight based on the methodical training she received from Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw, which is founded on principals of Abhidhamma Buddhist Psychology and the ancient meditation manual Visuddhimagga, or Path or Purification. Wisdom Wide and Deep includes instructions for deepening concentration using several concentration subjects, including mindfulness with breathing; kasina practices that are derived from colors and elements; formless and immaterial attainments; the Brahma Viharas of loving kindness (mettā), compassion, joy, and equanimity; and various reflections and body perceptions.
