Can anyone reccomend any books for the new Buddhist ?

ningjing1977

Hi

Can anyone recommend any books that explain the types of Buddhism , the terms/words we use when talking about Buddhism. One that can help me learn without getting lost in the terminology from the first paragragh. Aslo one that explains it nice and clearly to give a good foundation. Thanks Everyone.

DairyLama

This is a good one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Buddha_Taught

ningjing1977

Thanks Dolphin , ill check that out

Zero

Tibetan Book of Living and Dying - Sogyal Rinpoche

Doesnt explain the different types of buddhism but it is an interesting book none the less plus written well.

ningjing1977

Cheers Zero , ill look these up, i have a book and i read online, but its all written for a person who has studied for years, useing big words and things, cheers guys.

BonsaiDoug

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism by Gary Gach, and Buddhism For Dummies by Jonathan Landaw are both good, basic intros to Buddhism.

ningjing1977

So you call me a complete idiot and a dummy, you dont even know me LOL joking thanks mate , i shall be in waterstones this weekend.

karasti

The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hahn. Fairly easy reading (compared to sutras and such) and very good at explaining the foundation, 4 noble truths and noble 8fold path. It was the first book I read, and I still go back to it often. I second "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" Though the last...half? or so of the book is specifically about dying and helping the dying and the practices associated with it. Still very good reading and a favorite book of mine.

Jeffrey

Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron

Songhill

ningjing1977:

A History of Indian Buddhism by Hirakawa Akira

This will ground you in the historical details of Indian Buddhism which is where you need to begin.

Ficus_religiosa

Good Question, Good Answer from Buddhanet - free and very informative. There are numerous books in there, most of them worth while

nobodhi

how's waterstones' selection ?

dont know about the dummies book but since you're (wisely) looking to understand different 'types,' the complete idiots guide clarifies schools of practice (insight, zen, pure land, and tibetan). it's got a large extent & really makes 2 books: living buddhism (structured upon the buddha, dharma, and sangha), and buddhist living (applications in various aspects of life). no ten-dollar words. heart of the buddha's teaching is indeed indispensable as well.

i hope you also can take the time to visit temples from different traditions to get first-hand experience. as yogi berra once said, in theory there's no difference between theory & practice, but in practice there is.

Bunks

Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen is a good read...

ningjing1977

All good ideas guys I will check all these out Thanks

DairyLama

. I second "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" Though the last...half? or so of the book is specifically about dying and helping the dying and the practices associated with it.

Yes, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.

DairyLama

Doesnt explain the different types of buddhism...

Unfortunately there are few books that do - this one is a reasonable attempt though:

http://www.amazon.com/The-tree-enlightenment-introduction-traditions/dp/B0006RR6FY

ningjing1977

Cheers, I have lots to look at now, should make thigns a bit clearer .