Buddhism-Need a book suggestion....

• 09-18-2007 9:47 PM

  boneyjean Joined on 09-10-2007 FW, TX Posts 2,090 Points 30

  Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact I know there are at least a handful of people here who have studied or follow Buddhism.  Can any of you suggest a book that will discuss some of the basic traditions and teachings of buddhism?  I asked my aunt for a suggestion and she always comes through for me but this time she sent me a huge list...which is great, but for someone who is looking for a suggestion of somewhere to start understanding, that makes it hard to know which one to pick.  I can post the list if that would be any easier.  I have been increasingly more and more interested in Buddhism and would really like to explore it more.  Any suggestions would be appreciated!  ~Sarah, Harley & Izzy~ boneyjean.blogspot.com

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• 09-18-2007 9:52 PM

  In reply to boneyjean

  rwbeagles Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW, TX Posts 15,353 Points 2,035	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Oh this will interest me too...where's Houndlove....lol. *taps foot impatiently* Gina H. dog.community Moderator "I'll sleep when I'm dead, I said!"-The Cure
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• 09-18-2007 11:09 PM

  In reply to boneyjean

  TAOofGoldyShep Joined on 10-22-2006 Posts 1,315 Points 10

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Although I don't practice Buddhism, I do employ some of its philosophy into my life...I lean toward a combination of philosophies and this is definitely one of them.  I believe there is more than one classification or tradition of Buddhism; such as Zen or Tibetan. A couple of books I have: Fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism by Rebecca McClen Novick (copyright 1999) - introduction to the basic doctrines and practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Healing Anger - The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective by The Dalai Lama (recognized as the 14th) (copyright 1997).  Emphasizing the importance of the practice of love, compassion, and tolerance...to heal anger, improve oneself, and generate peace in the world.

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• 09-19-2007 8:07 AM

  In reply to boneyjean

  paulaedwina Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 1,330 Points 0	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact I especially liked The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.   Paula
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• 09-19-2007 9:21 AM

  In reply to boneyjean

  houndlove Joined on 08-28-2006 Pittsburgh, PA, USA Posts 4,054 Points 995

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Here I am!   Keep in mind that Buddhism, like Christianity, has many different sects and traditions, so just reading a book on Tibetan or Zen Buddhism isn't going to give you the full picture.  There are a couple basic intros that I like (and being that I actually practice this religion, I don't read too many introductions so my experience here is somewhat limited by that fact):  1. What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula  This is a classic, concise, a very good introduction. It is not watered down though, so there are some tough concepts, but they are all thoroughly explained.  2. Buddha by Karen Armstrong A nice, brief biography of the historical Buddha, Siddartha Gotama, which of course covers the tenets of the faith he founded. I love Karen Armstrong, please do yourselves a favor and read everything she's ever written. 3. The Dhammapadda by The Buddha This link is to the translation by Thomas Cleary because I like it, but it's been translated by a gazillion other people too. If you go to a bookstore, pick up a couple and see which translation resonates the most with you. Anyway, Buddhist scriptures could fill an entire library (since it's not a religion that has a tradition of "revealed scripture" there's really no limit to who gets to write "scripture" and when, and in some traditions scriptures were still being written just a couple hundred years ago though the historical Buddha died 2500 years ago) but the essence of Buddhism is summed up by these short verses.   Let me know if you have an interest in a particular school or sect of Buddhism. My tradition is Soto Zen so I have lots of book recommendations for that one, but something like Tibetan Buddhism seems like a complete other religion to me a lot of the time so I don't think I could help you there. Cressida and her best friends:

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• 09-19-2007 9:38 AM

  In reply to houndlove

  boneyjean Joined on 09-10-2007 FW, TX Posts 2,090 Points 30

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Thank you for all of the suggestions.  I have no idea which sect I would be interested in.  It is the same with Christianity.  I am on a journey right now and exploring and over the years it has become apparent that I share similiar beliefs as a lot of buddhists and wanted to learn more and see if that is where I really fit.  That is part of the reason I ask you all for your input b/c it gives me more variety to learn from.  Plus, you make a really good point Houndlove about not really reading many introductions.  It seemed like my aunt had a hard time making a suggestion as well and that would explain why.          These are the two my aunt mentioned in her email that also had a long list attached and what she told me about buddhism in a nutshell:  Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill By Matthieu Ricard...might be a good one to start with, or I've heard The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nat Han is good for beginners. Also anything written by Pema Chodron.   Whichever book you choose, it is good to keep in mind that Buddhism is not a belief religion. This means that we don't see our tradition as having THE answers, but rather, AN answer. We make our teachings available so that people can discern for themselves. Your job when reading one of these books is to be checking it in your own experience, and with your own way of seeing the world, to see if it is a good fit. We don't want converts, only that any people with a Buddhist view would be able to find and benefit from the teachings.     ~Sarah, Harley & Izzy~ boneyjean.blogspot.com

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• 09-19-2007 9:40 AM

  In reply to houndlove

  g33 Joined on 12-12-2006 Posts 1,542 Points 50

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact I think the Dalai Lama's book "The Art of Happiness" has some great, easy-to-read and absorb information about the fundamentals and practice of Buddhism. You might also check out some books by Thich Naht Hanh as he is very a very well respected and prolific author on Buddhist teaching.  Specifically he has some stuff out about anger that is really great. ~ Gina W. ~ Mom to Shannon (human baby) and Cole (doggy baby), 7 year old Black Lab

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• 09-19-2007 9:45 AM

  In reply to g33

  TAOofGoldyShep Joined on 10-22-2006 Posts 1,315 Points 10	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact g33: I think the Dalai Lama's book "The Art of Happiness" has some great, easy-to-read and absorb information about the fundamentals and practice of Buddhism. I've read and like this one a lot, as well.  Come to think of it, don't know where it is...hmmm, maybe I let someone borrow it.
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• 09-19-2007 9:57 AM

  In reply to g33

  houndlove Joined on 08-28-2006 Pittsburgh, PA, USA Posts 4,054 Points 995	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Check this out: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/intro_bud.htm  And also, beware of this on any spiritual journey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_materialism  Cressida and her best friends:
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• 09-19-2007 10:03 AM

  In reply to houndlove

  rwbeagles Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW, TX Posts 15,353 Points 2,035	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact houndlove: And also, beware of this on any spiritual journey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_materialism  Unless we're talkin' Scientology. LOL.... Gina H. dog.community Moderator "I'll sleep when I'm dead, I said!"-The Cure
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• 09-19-2007 12:20 PM

  In reply to rwbeagles

  houndlove Joined on 08-28-2006 Pittsburgh, PA, USA Posts 4,054 Points 995

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Heh. Well, spritiual materialism is different from physical materialism. Spiritual materialism is where you approach spiritual paths as if you're going to get something from them. We all do that, but it's good to be aware of the tendency and try to avoid focusing on what a particular spiritual path is going to give you personally. Because once you get whatever it is from the spiritual practice, what's to keep you continuing to do it? And especially in Buddhism, getting things out of it is sort of anathema to the entire idea. You practice because that's the best way you know how to be a human being, not because you'll get a particular mental state or skill if you do it. Nearly everyone starts down a particular path because of a gaining idea, but the faster you can jettison it, the more authentic the practice will be for you. Cressida and her best friends:

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• 09-19-2007 5:32 PM

  In reply to houndlove

  TAOofGoldyShep Joined on 10-22-2006 Posts 1,315 Points 10	Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact houndlove: ...but the faster you can jettison it, the more authentic the practice will be for you. Jettison..now there's an excellent word!  Thanks for your interpretation of "spiritual materialism," I was going to ask you for one.
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• 09-19-2007 6:41 PM

  In reply to TAOofGoldyShep

  Bawb2u Joined on 07-10-2007 Posts 53 Points 0

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact   Once you've got your head spinning from the high concept books, sit down, relax and read "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff. "Tigger is all right really," said Piglet lazily. "Of course he is," said Christopher Robin. "Everybody is really," said Pooh. "That's what I think," said Pooh. "But I don't suppose I'm right," he said. "Of course you are," said Christopher Robin. Behind every successful man is a proud wife and a surprised mother-in-law. Hubert H. Humphrey

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• 09-19-2007 7:07 PM

  In reply to boneyjean

  Ixas_girl Joined on 02-01-2007 Southern California Posts 2,391 Points 550

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact I second Houndlove's recommendation for What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula, for its clear translations of foundational texts. And, also your aunt's suggestion of Pema Chodron. Everything I've read by her is excellent - accessible and moving, but not at all limited to introductory ideas. I also recommend, from the zen end, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki   But more than anything else, I'd recommend not read, just sit!  That's how you'll really know if you fit in My practice is American zen (Maezumi Roshi line, soto). I meditated for years before picking up any serious books, or going to ritual services, or joining a sangha (Buddhist community). Whenever I ask the Abbot at my temple for further readings, she replies Just Sit! Ironically, there's a good book (lol) that gives the basics of zen mediation, complete with pictures and clear "how to" instructions (as well as how meditation relates to teachers, community, and the Buddha's words): The Beginner's Guide to Zen Buddhism by Jean Smith. I hope your exploration is most satisfying! http://dogandgirl.blogspot.com/ You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You! ~ Stuart Smalley ~~~ Mary Poppins: I never explain anything.

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• 09-19-2007 8:23 PM

  In reply to Ixas_girl

  houndlove Joined on 08-28-2006 Pittsburgh, PA, USA Posts 4,054 Points 995

  Re: Buddhism-Need a book suggestion.... Reply Contact Where do you sit? Here's my temple. (We're in Katagiri Roshi's lineage) I took my lay ordination in 2002 (um I think!) with the Dharma name Jigen.  Nothing really replaces the experience or having a relationship with a teacher, but you have to start somewhere to figure out what kind of meditation you want to practice and what teachers you might be more interested in working with or just to figure out if Buddhism is something you want to explore in greater depth. I think I read Ayya Khema's "Who is My Self?" and the Dhammapadda initially, but I was also at the time dating a practitioner (my now husband!) who encouraged me to sit with him if I wanted to and I received basic instruction at a Rinzai temple in Washington DC.   In our temple library we have a shelf of "recommended readings" and its a veeeeery short little group of books!  Cressida and her best friends:

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