Here’s an overview of Buddhism from its roots in India. The book chronicles how Buddhist ideas crossed the globe and how it’s continued to grow over time. In addition to the history, Wangu’s account introduces the foundational teachings of Buddhism and breaks down its three major schools (Tehravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana). I like this book as a good starting point because its mostly an overview without sounding like a manual. An Introduction to Zen Buddhism by D. T. Suzuki with a foreword by Carl Jung No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners by Noah Rasheta. I recommend my book as a starter because it really helps the reader to understand all the basics of Buddhist teaching, concepts, and practices. It’s a great way to understand the big picture and then it makes it easier as you dive in deeper in all the other books that come next. For Western readers accustomed to the Platonist tradition of philosophy and it’s uncertain approach to what lies beyond life, The Tibetan Book of the Living and Dying offers a different perspective with a weight of its own. [5] I am indeed that same person 🙂 I’ll happily send you a copy of the entry I posted here. Your book has had an incredible impact on my life! This book is an excellent, simply, well-written, clear-cut introduction to Buddhism. What are the basics. Buddhism 101. It's very wonderful, and I learned a great deal from it. Some of the books is written in a question and answer style, and I found that very appealing based on the subject matter. Some of the sections seemed a bit odd to me, but I imagine that they are there for other people.

Buddhism for Beginners - Thubten Chodron Buddhism for Beginners - Thubten Chodron

This is the perfect gift for family and friends who wish to understand one’s engagement with Buddhism. Thubten Chodron combines several decades of traditional training in Tibetan Buddhism with western psychotherapeutic relevance. . . . That quality of integration is where the Venerable Thubten Chodron is such a powerful writer and teacher.”Be a part of the noble mission as a supporting member or a patron, or a volunteer contributor of content. This appears to me an underrated little book. The author didn't set out to initiate the mass or make you interested in buddhism. As explained in the introduction, she has these FAQs that she answers in some center. As the title suggests, it's meant for the more introductory questions. This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.

Best Buddhist Books for Beginners - Alan Peto Top 5 Best Buddhist Books for Beginners - Alan Peto

Good Question, Good Answer: A favorite among Buddhists that provides a question & answer format to many of the Buddhist teachings, beliefs, and other topics that many who are new to Buddhism will appreciate. At its core, it explains what the mind goes through after death and how the experiences can either lead to liberation or rebirth and how to correctly navigate through these experiences. My deepest gratitude for introducing me to the dharma as a guide to life rather than as an intellectual curiosity must go to Thich Naht Hahn. First, I had little knowledge but much curiosity about the Lotus Sutra–an unknown stranger’s name on the cover of Peaceful Action, Open Heart opened the door. After, in walking through the door it was Master Thay’s other introductory books, such as Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings led me to the classic sutras, especially the Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra. The commentaries of Red Pine on these great teaching I highly recommend as almost required reading to truly experience the way. I also must thank Red PIne for pointing me toward the Gateless Gate and the Blue Cliff Records and the many spiritual ancestors who now speak across time. One last thought, wouldn’t a Red Pine commentary on the Lotus Sutra be welcomed by all? Summarized in a few words, With Each and Every Breath is a guide book to meditation. The foundation is built upon the teachings of the Buddha, as well as the work of a subsequent Buddhist that better developed some of the condensed teachings of the Buddha. This book is written for people wanting to understand basic Buddhist principles and how to integrate them into their lives. . . . It will be of much benefit to its readers.”This book is only introduction to buddhism, intending to protect newbies of being completely overwhelmed by buddhist lifestyle if you're planning to become a buddhist. I love the affable personal style Limbach brings to the Buddhist conversation. Also, I’m a big fan of tea, which I always associate with Eastern beliefs (which may or may not make any kind of sense). The focus of this book is self-worth. It offers advice through both traditional and modern tales. Then there’s a section that explains the Four Noble Truths in understandable language. Limbach acts as a cheerleader for us all to find our confidence, create our own happiness, and achieve all those goals we hope for. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life: A Buddhist Poem for Today by Shantideva, Translated by Neil Elliot with Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Recommended Reading: For some other lists for new Buddhists, consider Lions Roar’s“ 10 Buddhist Books Everyone Should Read“, and Barbara O’Brien’s“ Recommended Books for Buddhist Beginners“. I also want to mention The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche and Zurchungpa’s Testament, with commentary by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. When The Three Pillars of Zen appeared in 1965, it had a monumental impact on the direction of Buddhism in North America. Zen teacher Philip Kapleau combined a series of talks for beginning students by Yasutani Roshi with classic Zen texts. It offers the first how-to instructions for Western practitioners and remains one of the most influential and inspiring Zen books in the West.

Buddhism - Learn Religions How to Learn About Buddhism - Learn Religions

There are the obvious basic tenets to cover, of course, but also other less obvious ones that are still fundamentals. Do Buddhists believe in evolution? Where did the universe come from? Is Buddha a god? If not, what's wih the altars and offerings? How does prayer work? What are the different branches / sects of Buddhism, how and why are they different? Can women attain enlightenment? How should a Buddhist deal with conflicts about faith, e.g. friends and family who don't follow Buddhism? Etc etcEight Mindful Steps to Happiness uses the Noble Eightfold Path as its intellectual foundation, and then builds upon each Path with real, practical advice to apply in day-to-day life. In 1975, she attended a meditation course given by Ven. Lama Yeshe and Ven. Zopa Rinpoche, and subsequently went to their monastery in Nepal to continue to study and practice Buddha's teachings. In 1977, she received the sramanerika (novice) ordination, and in 1986, received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan.

Buddhism? - BBC Bitesize What is Buddhism? - BBC Bitesize

In this video I cover The Four Noble Truths, the most important and fundamental of all the Buddha’s teachings, it explains how we can move from a state of unrest to attaining an everlasting peace and happiness, known as nirvana or nibbana. My top five Buddhist books for beginners are perfect if you want to understand Buddhism, and how to apply it to your daily life! These book recommendations are also beneficial if you don’t have a Buddhist teacher yet (or close by) and are attempting to learn on your own. My Buddhist studies began around 2003 with The Tibetan Book of the Dead as translated by Gyurme Dorje. Since that time my pursuit has been more academic than devotional but has branched off into the study of Dzogchen, Bon, and the individual schools of Tibetan Buddhism — particularly Nyingma and Kagyu. No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners is a beautiful gift to all levels of practitioners--from those who are just beginning to explore Buddhism, to long-time Buddhists who would like to brush up on their knowledge. His tone is clear, accessible, and warm, and his consistent ability to translate Buddhist concepts into plain English is extremely impressive. Noah Rasheta’s book is a wonderful and much-needed resource.” —Yael Shy, author of What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and BeyondChodron’s plain English makes her beginner’s guide nearly perfect for those new to Buddhism and those who simply want to learn more.”