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

[GeneCosta]

Hello friends,

I was wondering if you could name some good literature on Buddhism? I know that is a broad question, but I'm looking for anything that has to do with the religion.

Thank you all.

[Engyo]

Probably the best beginning general overview book for westerners is "It's Easier Than You Think", by Sylvia Boorstein, ISBN: 0062512943
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006...132924?ie=UTF8

We have an overview book for my particular school (Nichiren Shu), but that is probably not what most folks are looking for at first.

Another couple of good ones are:
"What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula, ISBN: 0802130313
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080...lance&n=283155

and for a good solid technical look at Buddhist basics,
"Basic Buddhist Concepts" by Kogen Mizuno, ISBN: 4333012031
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/433...132924?ie=UTF8

I hope this helps.

[GeneCosta]

Thank you very much.

[finalfrogo]

How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by the Dalai Lama is a good introduction.

After you finish the intro books, you should read The Heart of Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh. You should just have a bit of preknowledge for reading it, and it will probably clarify a lot of previously obscure topics you encounter.

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by Engyo

Probably the best beginning general overview book for westerners is "It's Easier Than You Think", by Sylvia Boorstein, ISBN: 0062512943
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006...132924?ie=UTF8

We have an overview book for my particular school (Nichiren Shu), but that is probably not what most folks are looking for at first.

Another couple of good ones are:
"What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula, ISBN: 0802130313
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080...lance&n=283155

and for a good solid technical look at Buddhist basics,
"Basic Buddhist Concepts" by Kogen Mizuno, ISBN: 4333012031
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/433...132924?ie=UTF8

I hope this helps.

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?

[GeneCosta]

Originally Posted by finalfrogo

How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by the Dalai Lama is a good introduction.

After you finish the intro books, you should read The Heart of Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh. You should just have a bit of preknowledge for reading it, and it will probably clarify a lot of previously obscure topics you encounter.

Thank you, too.

[Bishka]

There is one I just bought a few minutes ago on amazon, it's more for children, but it's simple with pictures, it's called Zen Shorts by Jon (and I don't remember his last name)

[Scarlett Wampus]

GeneCosta if you'd like free audio material as well as written material there is a great link here. There's quite a lot of Buddhist Basics style stuff floating around on BitTorrent sites too.

Incidentally, if anyone is intested in Zen Buddhism then 'Zen Training' by Katsuki Sekida is the best all-round book I've come across so far. If anyone has any recommendations along those lines I'd be interested.

[nutshell]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

Hello friends,

I was wondering if you could name some good literature on Buddhism? I know that is a broad question, but I'm looking for anything that has to do with the religion.

Thank you all.

That might sound strange, but I've discovered that you can learn a lot about religious thought through poetry and other writings. For Buddhism, I'd suggest "The Zen Fool" by Ryokan, a very famous Japanese Buddhist of the Soto sect. He's well known for his poetry and calligraphy and I think Zen teachings shine through his words.

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

Thank you, too.

Sure. Any questions you have, just ask me.

...As long as they're basic questions.