Buddhism book recommendations

[dyanaprajna2011]

Over at the wonderful Hindu DIR, they have a thread for book recommendations, and I thought we could use one here as well.

This could be about any Buddhist subject: for beginners, for different schools, for different teachings, for practical life applications, anything.

So let's here it. What are your book recommendations for Buddhism?

 

[Ablaze]

Science and Buddhism:

The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness by James H. Austin

The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet by Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Xuan Thuan

These are my top book recommendations for exploring the intersection between the contemplative traditions and scientific inquiry.

 

[Ablaze]

Introduction to Zen:

Zen Meditation in Plain English by John Daishin Buksbazen

Zen in Plain English: Experience the Essence of Zen by Stephan Schuhmacher

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

These three books are appropriate for both beginners and experienced meditators alike. Simple and straightforward, they capture the true essence of Zen.

 

[Boyd]

This is the book I've used as an introduction for Buddhism in my classes:

What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition with Texts from Suttas and Dhammapada: Walpola Rahula: 9780802130310: Amazon.com: Books

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

I'm currently reading Thich Naht Hanh's "PeacefulAction, Open Heart", and I'm really enjoying it.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I second Zen Mind Beginners Mind.

Also,

"Handbook for Mankind" by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

Dogen's writings, "Moon in a Dewdrop"

The Blue Cliff Records

Pretty much any of Brad Warners books. Esp. "Sit Down and Shut Up".

"Zen. The Supreme Experience". by Alan Watts and Mark Watts.