Best Books on Buddhism
20 items ranked
Interest in Buddhism has been growing expoentially in the last 20 years. There are now dozens of books on Buddhism available for the practitioner, the student or the simply curious, but which ones offer the most comprehensive overview? This list will narrow it down for you.
Click on up and down arrows to affect item's ranking
1.
The Accidental Buddhist by Dinty W. Moore
Probably the best introductory book to Buddhism I've ever had the pleasure of reading - and incredibly comprehensive, lookinig at all aspects and how they apply to your real life.
24 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
2.
Buddhism Is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs by Steve Hagen
An awesome look at the core foundations of Buddhism and how it can set your mind free.
15 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
3.
Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens by Franz Metcalf and Monk Song Yonk
10 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
4.
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh
The beloved Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh gets to the heart of Buddhism as only he can. Clear, simple, and understandable.
10 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
5.
Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
Buddhism Plain and Simple strips Buddhism of all its accessories, all the religious overtones, and shows it exactly as it is, in all it's complex simplicity.
10 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
6.
How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life by Dalai Lama
For those serious in learning the way - why not take the advice of a true expert? Written by the Dali Lama, this guide is informative and written with the compassion and understand that only he can invest.
9 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
7.
Mindfulness in Plain English: Revised and Expanded Edition by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Mindfulness is the core of Buddhism - and this books approaches it in a clear and deliniated way that everyone will be able to understand.
9 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
8.
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, Revised Edition by John Powers
8 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
9.
Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World by Lama Surya Das
An awesome approach to Buddhism for those interested in how it applies to daily life.
8 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior - 1 comment
Comments:
i found this book very inspiring for an understanding of what buddhism means in normal daily life. i could not recommend it highly enough. cheers
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points
10.
The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self by Woody Hochswender
7 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
11.
The Story of Buddhism: A Concise Guide to Its History & Teachings by Donald S. Lopez
7 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
12.
Buddhism for Beginners by Thubten Chodron
One of the best books for those new to Buddhism. Buddhism for Beginners gives a comprehensive overview of what it is all about.
7 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
13.
Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience by Donald W. Mitchell
6 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
14.
How to See Yourself As You Really Are by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Jeffrey, Ph.D. Hopkins
6 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
15.
Zen Buddhism by Daisetz T. Suzuki and William Barrett
6 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
16.
Buddhism: A Concise Introduction by Huston Smith and Philip Novak
6 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
17.
Why I Am a Buddhist: No-Nonsense Buddhism with Red Meat and Whiskey by Stephen T. Asma
3 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
18.
The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by Thupten Jinpa
1 point - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
19.
Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening by Stephen Batchelor
1 point - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
20.
Buddhism For Dummies by Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian
Typical Dummies - this volume covers everything for the merely curious.
0 points - added 13 years ago by thewordwarrior -
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