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New to buddhism, would like to learn. Looking for advice...

CavemanCaveman
edited September 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hello,

My names Sam, and ive never been religious in my life. However, out of all modern day religions that i am aware of, Buddhism is the only one that appeals to me.

However, after some brief reading ive realised i know nothing about it other than what ive seen on tv, which is most likely a very stretched portrait of reality.

Im not looking to become a monk or anything, but im looking for a very particular kind of book.

Whenever im really interested in something i know nothing about, i look for a large hardback book, with about 500 pages, full of pictures and lots of text. I have several similar books on other subjects which i have really enjoyed, and would like something similar on buddhism if its out there.

When im new to a topic, i learn best with large colourful pictures, and detailed text, written in an easy to read, and approachable manner.

Can anyone suggest a book like this? Something that covers the history, the versions of the teachings and anything else that should be known to a begginer.

If anyone can help, id really appreciate it.

Thanks : )

Sam

Comments

  • VincentJGVincentJG
    edited September 2010
    Don't laugh, but the Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism and Buddhism for Dummies helped me to develop a very basic understanding of Buddhism.

    BuddhaNet has an extensive collection of free ebooks that have helped me. I loved Living Meditation, Living Insight by Dr. Thynn Thynn.
    http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks.htm

    I'm also a fan of Thich Nhat Hanh, although his books probably aren't what you're looking for at this time.
  • thickpaperthickpaper Veteran
    edited September 2010
    What the Buddha Taught is a book I have read more times than any other and given to more people than any other book. In fact I gave out a copy but 4 hours ago:)

    But please don't take my word on how good an introductory book it is, check out the zillions of five star reviews on Amazon:)

    http://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313

    namaste
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Vincent JG wrote: »
    Don't laugh, but the Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism and Buddhism for Dummies helped me to develop a very basic understanding of Buddhism.
    Absolutely! Gary Gach's book (The Complete Idiot's Guide) is a really great primer on Buddhism. He does a super job of describing all the major flavors of Buddhism.
  • LesCLesC Bermuda Veteran
    edited September 2010
    I have both the Complete Idiot's Guide and Buddhism For Dummies, and the Buddhism for Dummies is head and shoulders above the other in my opinion.

    Also I would recomend (although no pictures) Awakening The Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das, a nice little jewish boy who wandered off to the Himalayas to find himself in the hippie 60s... and is now the foremost Lama in the west. It is well written, entertaining, humourous and written from a western perspective. A great read.
  • username_5username_5
    edited September 2010
    Of the books I have read "The Buddha and His Teachings" comes the closest to what you are asking for.

    It has pictures, it covers the core teachings as well as a thorough yet 'bird's eye' view of the history etc. It's not written by an author, but is an organized compilation from many authors both alive and long since deceased. As such one gets the 'classical' perspective of the Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan points of view as well as modern explanations from a large assortment of teachers. The editors do a nice job of introducing each writing and framing it's context.
  • CavemanCaveman
    edited September 2010
    Hello,

    Thanks for the replies. Your answers have been very useful.

    However, now instead of not knowing any books, i cant decide which one, lol.

    Im inbetween 'Buddhism for dummies', 'the buddha and his teachings', and, 'what buddha taught'.

    If someone has read all three, could you let me know which one of those in your opinion is most like a 3rd person perspective of the religion as a whole, and covers the basics of everything, rather than sticking to a particular branch and attempting to teach it.

    I dont think im ready to choose a branch to stick to, rather id like to learn about all the options within buddhism. In fact, im not sure i will choose to even become a buddhist, id just like to learn.

    Thanks for all your help : )

    Sam
  • username_5username_5
    edited September 2010
    Caveman wrote: »

    However, now instead of not knowing any books, i cant decide which one, lol.

    Just one book? (snicker, snicker).:D
  • CavemanCaveman
    edited September 2010
    username_5 wrote: »
    Just one book? (snicker, snicker).:D

    I think for now one would be fine, lol. If im still interested when i finish it, then i might consider buying another.

    : )
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Another good one that's very small, very readable, and very good is "Buddhism Plain & Simple" by Steve Hagen.
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