frankcastl
I've always had an interest in buddhism and zen teachings but have never had the chance to go further and really learn and understand it. Since it's a new year, I've decided to pursue my interest and was wondering if anyone could recommend any good books about buddhism and zen for a beginner?
Answer
There are three types of books about Buddhism and Zen. First are books written by scholars (DT Suzuki). Second are books written enthusiasts (Watts, Pirsig). Third are books written by genuine teachers. Of these, I strongly encourage you to read only books written by teachers -- you'll get a genuine taste of Buddhism. Here are four excellent books:
"It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. A warm, short, and wise introduction to the basics.
"Old Path, White Clouds" by Thich Nhat Hanh. A charming description of the life of Buddha.
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi. One of two classic books on Zen.
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Zen Master Seung Sahn. The other classic book on Zen.
All these are readily available new or used. Enjoy!
Note: The answerer Damien may have "studied" Buddhism. But his anger shows that he never practiced, and thus never learned the wisdom and compassion that Buddhism brings to all who practice.
There are three types of books about Buddhism and Zen. First are books written by scholars (DT Suzuki). Second are books written enthusiasts (Watts, Pirsig). Third are books written by genuine teachers. Of these, I strongly encourage you to read only books written by teachers -- you'll get a genuine taste of Buddhism. Here are four excellent books:
"It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. A warm, short, and wise introduction to the basics.
"Old Path, White Clouds" by Thich Nhat Hanh. A charming description of the life of Buddha.
"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi. One of two classic books on Zen.
"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha" by Zen Master Seung Sahn. The other classic book on Zen.
All these are readily available new or used. Enjoy!
Note: The answerer Damien may have "studied" Buddhism. But his anger shows that he never practiced, and thus never learned the wisdom and compassion that Buddhism brings to all who practice.
What are the best books for learning about: Taoism, Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and Zen Buddhism?
Kate
Thank you in advance!
Answer
Taoism: "Taoism: An Essential Guide" (By far the best introductory book)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1590308824/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1590308824&adid=1XS39KYHA0HN6HRH6KES
Theravada Buddhism: "In the Words of the Buddha"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0861714911/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0861714911&adid=16WC8S4G70QVZF7QDN7Y
Zen Buddhism: "Everyday Zen"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061285897/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0061285897&adid=1EVG9KTRS8JRW928P85Q
Mahayana Buddhism: "Mahayana Buddhism" (books on Mahayana tend to be quite technical)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415356539/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0415356539&adid=1C70JFEY4Q884ZQZZ46M
Best overall introductory book on the basic teachings of Buddhism: "It's Easier Than You Think"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062512943/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0062512943&adid=1ERJ0F8Q6MHDSWY08TWH
Good luck in your (re)search!
Taoism: "Taoism: An Essential Guide" (By far the best introductory book)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1590308824/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1590308824&adid=1XS39KYHA0HN6HRH6KES
Theravada Buddhism: "In the Words of the Buddha"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0861714911/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0861714911&adid=16WC8S4G70QVZF7QDN7Y
Zen Buddhism: "Everyday Zen"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061285897/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0061285897&adid=1EVG9KTRS8JRW928P85Q
Mahayana Buddhism: "Mahayana Buddhism" (books on Mahayana tend to be quite technical)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0415356539/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0415356539&adid=1C70JFEY4Q884ZQZZ46M
Best overall introductory book on the basic teachings of Buddhism: "It's Easier Than You Think"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062512943/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=oxher-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0062512943&adid=1ERJ0F8Q6MHDSWY08TWH
Good luck in your (re)search!
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