A selected list of books on Buddhism, life and teachings of the Buddha,
the Buddhist philosophy, the practice of mindfulness, meditation
techniques, Buddhist scriptures, and various schools of Buddhism.
The
Heart of the Buddha's Teaching What should we think when on the one hand
Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy
life's every moment? Loved around the world for his simple, straightforward
explanations of Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh has finally turned his hand to the
very core of Buddhism and conundrums such as this. In the traditional way, Thich
Nhat Hanh takes up the core teachings one by one--the Four Noble Truths, the
Noble Eightfold Path, the Twelve Links of Interdependent Co-Arising--but his
approach is as fresh as a soft breeze through a plum orchard. For illustration,
he dips into the vast stores of Buddhist literature right alongside contemporary
anecdotes, pointing out subtleties that can get glossed over in other popular
introductions. He also includes three short but key sutras, essential source
teachings from which all Buddhism flows. Studying the basics of Buddhism under
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is like learning basketball from Michael Jordan.
--Brian Bruya
What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and
Dhammapada Beneath the enormous umbrella of Buddhism, there is a diverse
galaxy of customs and beliefs, but there is also a kernel of truth that every
sect holds dear. Rahula Walpola, scholar and monk, discovers this foundation of
Buddhism for us first through straightforward explication, never skipping over a
point that has yet to be substantiated, then through translations from key
scriptures. Logical and focused, these are the essentials of Buddhism; know them
first, then move comfortably on to other Buddhist works.
Buddhism Plain and Simple You might want to digest this book slowly, a few
pages at a time. Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the
philosophy of Buddhism in a "plain and simple" package, it may take a while to
sink in. There is so much there. Seeing reality, realizing the wisdom of the
self, breaking free of dualistic thinking--this is pretty heady stuff.
Thankfully, Hagen passes it along in the form of examples from life,
psychological tidbits, and stories from Buddhist teachers past and present. And
when it clicks in, it can be life-transforming. Hagen explains this shift in
outlook and how the fundamental way we look at the world affects everything we
do. As an outline, Hagen follows the basic teachings of the Buddha, and we see
that, rather than dogmatic truths, they are reminders for us as we reconsider
the life we have taken for granted for so long. As it turns out, Buddhism is
life, plain and simple. --Brian Bruya
Buddhism For Dummies What's the significance of Buddha? How can the practice
of Buddhism enrich our never-ending hectic lives? Discover what it means to be a
Buddhist in everyday life and in everyday lands in this fascinating Eastern
religion. Buddhism For Dummies offers a clear, straight-forward road map that
will aim to answer the fundamental questions, issues, and conflicts that arise
daily. Readers will gain an understanding of what is Buddhism?, How to become a
Buddhist? Explore the 2,500-year history, and learn about the most prominent
Buddhist leader of our time, the Dalai Lama. Buddhism For Dummies will also
touch on daily observances, celebrations, styles, practices, meditation and
more!
Buddhism for Beginners Chodron's plain English makes his beginner's guide
nearly perfect for those new to Buddhism and those who simply want to learn more
about one of the world's oldest, most misunderstood religions. In
question-and-answer format, Chodron defines Buddhism's essence, which, in a
nutshell, is to avoid harming others and help them as much as possible. He
describes the goal of the Buddhist path and discusses the historical Buddha and
his various manifestations. He answers some most-asked outsiders' questions
concerning such matters as the best methods of meditation and how to define
karma, and he clarifies Buddhist perspectives on modern issues, from euthanasia
and abortion to the environment and animal rights. Clearly, succinctly, and
without talking down to readers, Chodron strives throughout to bring people
together and help them understand the tradition. To outsiders, Buddhism can seem
cold and mysterious, but Chodron unravels some of its mysteries and helps dispel
that perceived coldness. June Sawyers - Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
