Buddhism for Beginners

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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). Access to Insight: Popular resources with lots of scripture and articles that are Theravada specific, but Mahayana generally recognizes all these texts as well (learn more about that here and here).

The best Buddhists Books and Texts for Beginners - Buddha

Eightfold Path for the Householder: Those who are not monastics are ‘householders’ (laypersons, like you and me). This is a nice little book that shows you how to follow the Eightfold Path as a layperson. Penguin Classics has taken Tenzin Chogyel’s 18th century story of Buddha’s life and translated it here for a modern audience. Here, you can read through the 12 acts of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his final reunion with his son Rahula. This telling of the Buddha’s story is a masterful weaving of the earthly and celestial and you can feel the constant present of the gods through the Buddha’s journey. As the name implies, this book is written in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism, namely Vajrayana. It is heavily centered around the life, death and rebirth cycle, and explains the processes behind it at the level of a beginner reader. 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.” In a question about detachment, Chodron says she likes the word “non-attachment” better since it doesn’t imply being uninvolved, chilly, and above-it-all. In Buddhism, the practice of equanimity means to have a balanced attitude. Having studied under wise spiritual teachers, the author salutes their humility as one of the principal qualities of enlightenment.

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Rebel Buddha by Dzogchen Ponlop. This is one of my favorite books on Buddhism. I’ve read it multiple times and will continue to revisit it from time to time. It really helps me to get to the heart of a lot of what Buddhism teaches.

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

Buddha’s teaching is to avoid hurting others and help them as much as possible. Recognize that everyone is similar to us in trying to have a good life and be happy (this latter part is perhaps a more modern day wording). Stop judging them and have empathy. The three jewels are Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. A buddha is anyone that is enlightened. Dharma is his teachings. Sangha are (ordained) people to guide you practice the way. The three jewels are analogous to doctor, medicine, and nurses.

Translations

My path looks like the eternity knot. Subconsciously I knew the principles, but I couldn’t rationalize or explain it to myself or family. I went around and around looking for something that could tidy up the loose ends of my thoughts. I would meditate and go to yoga, but performing the actions never opened up a cohesive philosophy for me. There was always something missing or unscientific when I looked into other religions. Ven. Thubten Chodron is especially skilled in presenting Buddhist philosophy and practices in ways that are easily accessible and practical for Buddhists who live in the Western world.”

Buddhism: Buddhism for Beginners, A Guide to Buddhist Buddhism: Buddhism for Beginners, A Guide to Buddhist

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. 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? To start learning about Buddhism and meditation, watch some of my videos here or read my blog posts here. Buddhaby Karen Armstrong. This is a great book to understand the overview of the story of the Buddha. I believe it helps to know the story of the Buddha as you then dive in deeper to each of the ideas and concepts that he taught. The Buddhist Core Values and Perspectives for Protection Challenges: Faith and Protection (Article)

What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula

To top it all off, this version of the Majjhima is very readable thanks to an excellent translation by Bhikku Bodhi, a man fluent in English, the Pali language, Buddhism and writing talent. [9] While we’re chatting Buddhism, Dinty Moore has a fabulous creative non-fiction piece called “ Fear and Craving in Disney World.” The essay explores Buddhist koans in light of theme park pop culture society.

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

A comprehensive list of beginner-friendly books across the Buddhist traditions By Tricycle Mar 23, 2022Meditation is an important practice for Buddhists because it strengthens and calms one’s mind, but also helps the Buddhist in their path towards enlightenment and Nirvana.