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favourite buddhism books?
waffles
New
Hey I've been reading alot of Thich Nhat Hanh and he is absolutely brilliant!
Though I've finished my latest book by him, Peace is Every Step and would like some suggestions on some other great buddhist authors/books?
Though I've finished my latest book by him, Peace is Every Step and would like some suggestions on some other great buddhist authors/books?
0
Comments
After a lot of work I found one on cosmology and another by a monk criticising the previous Popes intentions . . . :banghead:
Other than avoiding those, follow your Heart . . . happy reading . . .
For Chan / pureland Buddhism ... here are some free books online http://www.budaedu.org/ebooks/
free books
http://blpusa.com/category/buddhism-in-every-step/page/5 :clap:
I have found that Pema Chodron's teachings are incredibly helpful for ways to bring my meditation practice into my daily life.
I absolutely adored "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Venerable H. Gunaratana Mahathera. My sister picked this book up at a Theravadan retreat. It is a free book, easy to read, and every paragraph is a world of wisdom. You are asked to pass it on once you have finished with it.
This book is distributed by the Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation in Taiwan. Perhaps you can get a copy from them (one should pay for shipping, even if not asked): email: overseas@budaedu.org
Here's the thing about Buddhism ... it is something you "do", not something you "read". It's not an academic study, and all wisdom is gained firsthand from our observation and insight as we live our life. Books DO help us clarify what we are seeing, or point us to what to look for, or give us some techniques or practices to do, or temporarily increase our motivation to practice. But books don't replace our own practice. It's like the difference between reading about what an orgasm feels like and actually experiencing an orgasm.
I would also bear in mind something said by Ajahn Chah
" The only book worth reading is the book of the heart ".
I also highly recommend Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.
Also "The Monk and the Philosopher" and "In Defense of Happiness" from Matthieu Ricard are outstanding.
"The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche is very good and has a lot of wisdom in it. Much of it does deal with the death process and what to do during, and after someone dies. I started reading it when my grandma was very ill and found it to be a terrific book.
"The Excellent Path to Enlightenment: Oral Teachings on the Root Text of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo" by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. This was recommend by my teacher prior to taking refuge vows. I thought it would be a bit dry but it is fantastic.
I loved "What Makes You Not a Buddhist" by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse for it's delivery as much as content.
I found "Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom" by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche to be very accessable given that I am reasonably new to Buddhism.
Don't think I've ever read a book on Buddhism I didn't get something out of, even it was was just to recognise I was not at that level of understanding yet.
I also have a soft spot for the works of Bhikkhu Bodhi who makes the Pali Sutta's accessible and relevant for the reader with a very insightful commentary. Im current working through his book " In the Buddha's words "
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1559393262/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
When I've overcomplicated stuff, reading this book reminds me that just because something is complex and demanding doesn't mean we're going to benefit from it.
It's great for someone new to Buddhism, or even for someone who has been around a bit.