Good books? (Buddhism, hell, religion, Buddhism, Zen)

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

Thanks for that, Engyo, I think I may look into one of those. Do you have any slightly more advanced recommendations? So far, I have only read fundamental books and practice a very simple meditation. Where do I move from here?

Frogo, I think from here is when you'll see a divergunce of philosophies and practices among the different schools of Buddhism, Zen, Theravada, Mahayana, Nichiren...........basically start researching at places like buddhanet.net or e-sang'ha, and you'll get a better idea of where your mind and your heart will lead you.



There is where you will find suggestions like links to ebooks, communities, and daily dharma/sutra study, audio links, etc. that will help you on your path.




A word of caution in your zest for study............don't rush enlightenment. There is no need to. Continuing to practice the basics, as redundant as they sometimes are, is one of the ways to perfection. I have been studying and practicing for 12 years or so, and I still see such a profound need to continue establishing simple meditation practices and studying the Four Noble Truths, the Five Precepts, and the Eightfold Path for deeper insight. Remember the symbolism of the lotus flower.




Peace,
Mystic

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

Thanks for that, Engyo, I think I may look into one of those. Do you have any slightly more advanced recommendations? So far, I have only read fundamental books and practice a very simple meditation. Where do I move from here?

Final -

Apologies - I didn't see this one until just now. If you are looking for something a bit more advanced, then the Mizuno book would be a good choice. It is a very solid technical look at Buddhist basics, which will give you an overview of the different traditions, and their different styles of practice, as well as the fundamental stuff.

Kogen Mizuno also has several more books out; one is a study of Buddhist sutras that is also a very good technical read. His stuff is somewhat scholarly though; it is well written but it is not "inspirational" in the sense that some Buddhist books are. They are more like reference works, with a great deal of data available but no conclusions drawn for you.

Hope this is of help.

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

Thanks for that, Engyo, I think I may look into one of those. Do you have any slightly more advanced recommendations? So far, I have only read fundamental books and practice a very simple meditation. Where do I move from here?

Final -

Apologies - I didn't see this one until just now. If you are looking for something a bit more advanced, then the Mizuno book would be a good choice. It is a very solid technical look at Buddhist basics, which will give you an overview of the different traditions, and their different styles of practice, as well as the fundamental stuff.

Kogen Mizuno also has several more books out; one is a study of Buddhist sutras that is also a very good technical read. His stuff is somewhat scholarly though; it is well written but it is not "inspirational" in the sense that some Buddhist books are. These are more like reference works, with a great deal of data available but no conclusions drawn for you.

Hope this is of help.

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

Thanks for that, Engyo, I think I may look into one of those. Do you have any slightly more advanced recommendations? So far, I have only read fundamental books and practice a very simple meditation. Where do I move from here?

Final -

Apologies - I didn't see this one until just now. If you are looking for something a bit more advanced, then the Mizuno book would be a good choice. It is a very solid technical look at Buddhist basics, which will give you an overview of the different traditions, and their different styles of practice, as well as the fundamental stuff.

Kogen Mizuno also has several more books out; one is a study of Buddhist sutras that is also a very good technical read. His stuff is somewhat scholarly though; it is well written but it is not "inspirational" in the sense that some Buddhist books are. These are more like reference works, with a great deal of data available but no conclusions drawn for you.

Hope this is of help.