The Five Precepts: This is what all Buddhists strive to follow in their path towards awakening. Moral precepts (rules) that help you stay focused on the path towards liberation. Eight 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. 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.”

Best Buddhist Books for Beginners: My Top 8 Picks Best Buddhist Books for Beginners: My Top 8 Picks

It contains 152 suttas and are much practical and down to earth than the longer discourses in the Digha Nikaya. In the Majjhima, the Buddha interacts with people from all walks of ancient Indian society: princes, kings, peasants, philosophers. I believe that you are the person who said that “The Cow in the Parking Lot” brought you to Buddhism. Unfortunately, I was never able to bring up your original post on the subject. I would love to see it (being the person who wrote it). Can you possibly send it to me at [email protected]? 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. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.The Buddha discovered that the answer lay in what have become known as the Four Noble Truths . Buddhists try to achieve enlightenment by understanding these important principles. In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (The Teachings of the Buddha)– By Bhikkhu Bodhi. This is a terrific book ( and he has many others) that takes you right into what the Buddha taught as explained in the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. This is also a delightful book for Mahayana Buddhists as it received praise from Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh: “I am sure that many people will benefit from In the Buddha’s Words.”

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

The following are some of my additional book recommendations if you would like to expand your collection and learn more about the religion. When it comes to the actual contents however, it can be argued that the Majjhima is the most interesting of all the nikayas, at least when it comes to its literary value (if not also the philosophical value). In Pure Land, scholar Charles B. Jones provides a comprehensive introduction to Pure Land Buddhism, the dominant tradition in East Asia, whose practitioners chant the name of Amitabha Buddha (the Buddha of Infinite Light) in hope of being reborn in his land of bliss and attaining enlightenment. The book is divided into two parts: the tradition’s history and its beliefs and practices. Ajahn Brahm is a Theravadin monk and the abbot of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia. He studied under the great meditation teacher, Ajahn Chah. This book is a collection of stories, mostly anecdotal tales from his life that are often extraordinarily funny and full of Buddhist wisdom. Everyone can take away some wisdom (and a sore stomach from laughing) from reading this book. Regardless whether they are Buddhist or not, every house should have a copy of this book! This is a book I especially recommend to people who are open to learning about Buddhist principles but might be cautious about reading anything with Buddhist terminology (hence, this is something I have lent to non-Buddhist, anti-religious friends of mine, and they loved it). When we experience some difficulties in life, we should reflect on the type of action we must have done that created the cause for this result. This will encourage us to be more aware of what we think, say, and do. Studying the Buddha’s teachings enables us to learn more about specific actions and their results. Then we can change our behavior and plant more seeds in our mindstreams to experience desirable results. A text called The Wheel of Sharp Weapons is particularly good in explaining the effects produced by certain actions and the way to change our attitudes and actions to create the causes of happiness. Read more … Translations

Are you interested in learning how to practice Buddhism? My new book, the “Daily Buddhist Practice Guide”, is full of pictures, calendars, instructions, guided practice, and more to help you start practicing Buddhism in a traditional way. You’ll also learn how to create a home altar, use Buddhist prayer beads (malas), meditate, chant, give offerings, and much more! The Triple Gem: Learn about the three faiths in Buddhism of the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (monastic community). Sutras Sutta English Complete English-translated Buddhist Sutras (Suttas) and commentaries from all traditions. Over 50 features and related topics. The Short March to Wisdom: For young children, this eBook provides moral explanations, and some study/exercises, to help teach Buddhism and Buddhist concepts in an easy to understand manner.