BUDDHA AND HIS TEACHINGS by Samuel Bercholz and Sherab Chodzin Kohn
Originally published as Entering the Stream, this book offers a simple and inspiring answer to the question "What is the Buddha's teaching?" primarily in the words of the Buddha and other masters. This anthology draws on traditional Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan sources as well as teachings by contemporary Buddhist masters. Among the contributors, both classical and modern, are:
Ajahn Chah, Pema Chodron, The Second Dalai Lama, Dogen, S.N. Goenka, Dainin Katagiri, Hakuyu Taizan M'zumi, Milarepa, Padmasambhava, Reginald Ray, Shunryu Suzuki, Nyanaponika Thera, Thich Nhat Hanh, Chogyam Trungpa, Burton Watson.
BUDDHISM: A Study Of The Buddhist Norm by Mrs. (Carolne) Rhys Davids
Contents:
1. The Pali tradition.
2. Dhamma and Abhidhamma.
3. The norm as theory of no-soul.
4. The norm as the law of causation.
5. The norm as moral law.
6. The norm as ideal.
7. The norm as ideal (continued).
8. The quest of the ideal.
9. The import of Dhamma.
Conclusion.
Chronological note. Bibliography. Index.
Buddhism for Beginners answers the fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern Western individuals who are new to this tradition of practical spirituality. Written in clear and engaging language, this book presents the Buddhist approach to the fundamental issues and concerns of daily life. Thubten Chodron guides us through the basic tenets of Buddhism, encouraging and instructing us in how to live a more peaceful, mindful and satisfying life. She untangles our confusions and leads us through the most basic aspects of this rich, living spiritual tradition.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TIBETAN BUDDHISM by Bruce Newman
As Tibetan Buddhism extends its reach in the West, many practitioners are making strong commitments to this path. The Vajrayana tradition still being new to our culture, however, there remain significant gaps in Western students' education and understanding. These can lead to practical difficulties for new or intermediate students.
This book begins with the very awakening of students' interest in spirituality and their initial encounter with Tibetan Buddhism, and leads them through the steps necessary for succussful practice in the West.
ESSENCE OF BUDDHISM: An Introduction to Its Philosophy and Practice by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche
This is an overview of the Buddhist path from the perspective of the three vehicles of Tibetan Buddhism--Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. These three correspond with the basic attitudes of practitioners as embodied in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Bodhisattva path and Tantra teachings. Basic to them all is the need to understand our immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, and Traleg Kyabgon created this handbook for the various meditative approaches as well as presenting an excellent basis in Buddhist philosophy.
THE WORLD OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by H.H. the Dalai Lama, trans., ed., annotated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa
His Holiness explains the path to enlightenment via a general overview of its basic theories and practices, a commentary on selected readings from Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara, the practice of love, kindness, and compassion, and lastly, a discussion of Vajrayana Buddhism and the path of tantra--we like this book!
SIMPLE PATH: Basic Buddhist Teachings by H.H. the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama brings together profound, accessible teachings by His Holiness on the Four Noble Truths with extraordinary images that offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness provides a concrete and lucid explanation of the foundation of the Buddhist path as it applies to contemporary life in both Eastern and Western world views. The teachings inspire us to embrace the way of compassion and peace in our lives and to find a deeper satisfaction in every day.
AWAKENING THE SLEEPING BUDDHA by the 12th Tai Situpa
The most basic, clear principles of Tibetan Buddhism are here lucidly presented by a renowned modern teacher and monk. Tai Situ illuminates Buddhist teachings in commonsense terms, using down-to-earth examples- making this is a perfect handbook for beginners as well as an excellent companion for long-time students.
"Buddhism can appear so complicated and vast that it seems even a lifetime of study would not be sufficient to get to the bottom of it. That is how it is, from one perspective-at least until the ultimate goal of enlightenment is reached. On the other hand, Buddhism can be very simple, dissolving mysteries and complications easily with commonsense truths. Buddhism, in fact, encompasses both these extremes, although the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice rests on a few clear principles."
HERE IS THE CORE of the Buddha's teaching in his own words, as memorized word for word by his disciples and written down two hundred years after his death. These selections deal with the search for truth, the way of contemplation, the experience of sorrow, death, and many other topics, serving as an excellent introduction to the Buddna's teaching. Whether addrressed to monks and nuns, kings, householders, or outcastes, the Buddha's teachings are characterized by one main concern: conveying the reality of our bondage to suffering and the supremely good news that liberation is possible. As a result, these teachings are as relevant for people today as they were for the people of north India a millennium and a half ago.