| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 3/30/2007 3:15:30 PM | I am interested in learning more of the philosophies, but don't really want to convert from Christianity....anybody know of any good books? "Buddhism for Dummies"...."Think Like Buddah"?? lol Anything??
Oh good Lord I just searched Amazon and there is a "Buddhism for Dummies".....but I would still welcome any suggestions. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 3/30/2007 3:43:38 PM | | You Don't Have to Sit on The Floor...not bad, forget the author's name though. Good book for those looking at Buddhism from a western perspective. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 3/30/2007 5:22:16 PM | 'The Buddhist Religion' 4th ed Robinson / Johnson Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Sources of Indian Tradition vols 1+2 University of Columbia Press. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 3/30/2007 8:05:43 PM |
SimmahDahnNah~ what do you know about the peaceful way when you spread gossip and lies like a high school student?
Shall I be the referee maybe? lol
Op, "Awakening the Buddha within" is one that I liked. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 3/30/2007 8:16:55 PM | LOL No need for a referee...but thanks for immortalizing those words...they were on their way to deletion but probably not anymore. (Some people who shall remain nameless should also look for a good book like I'm looking for, either that or get laid). Talk about cranky. (Not you, living).
Back on topic, thank you for the suggestion, I'll check it out  | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/1/2007 9:06:59 AM | Gautama the Buddha is most incredible for sharing his findings and explaining about life, nature and "the path".
I've read a few books, wish I remembered their names, Gabriel Kham I think is a great author in explaining things about the Buddha's findings, but I find the most "inspirational' readings & explanations were from the Dalai Lama (the 14th one to be specific).
Listening to lectures on Buddhism, contact meditation centers for info as well, they are very helpful.
"Buddhism" will never conflict with any religion, in fact it never condemns any religion, it doesn't motivate it's followers by fear..it all deals with YOU and since that's where everything starts, it makes so much sense. Soo..lucky you, cause you can stick to your religion and still follow Buddha's ways if you find it works for you. After all, he promotes only well being, how can that conflict with anything? The only thing that Buddha would suggest to not mix up together, is the meditation called Vipassana, which does conflict with other styles of meditation, but that's a whole other issue..so I'll shut up now..good luck in your search.
Much Respect, GF | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/1/2007 9:24:52 AM | Zen and The Art of Falling in Love - by Barbara Shoshana
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari Who Will Cry When You Die? - both by the Same Author, but I don't remember the name.
Good luck and happy reading.
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/1/2007 10:43:04 AM | The Book: On the taboo against knowing who you are By Alan Watts The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way By Dennis Genpo Merzel | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/1/2007 12:10:29 PM | | Yeah, anything by Alan Watts is very good, but so far I've found Bernie Glassman's Infinite Circle--Teachings in Zen to be the closest to how I percieve it... Just remember, books only contain other peoples information and should not be confused with knowledge... That comes from you. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/4/2007 6:11:42 PM | | I'm kind of surprised that no one posted to read anything that his Holiness the Dali Lama has written. He is truly amazing and well worth reading. Public tv has a Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Drum has a web site. He is worth catching. Personally, I find the path a good way to direct your life. And you will find, Buddhists don't seem to be threatened by other religions. In fact, the Dala Lama tells westerners to bear in mind their western culture when studying. You can easily find his books at barnes and noble. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/5/2007 8:03:00 PM | Buddhism would never ask you to "convert" that is the wonderful thing about it. Now when you start your enlightenment, don't be surprised if your "christian" kinfolk don't take kindly to it.
That in itself is a bitter pill to swallow for many. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/6/2007 12:08:28 PM | the tibetan book of the dead might not sit well with christian beliefs, but i do recommend it its a very intruiging glimpse into the tibetan's knowledge of the states of mind surrounding death, or the bardos as they are called. Radical Acceptance: Embracing life with the heart of a Buddha it talks about how buddhism is a form of "radical acceptance" accepting everything in life as it comes without any conditions. its like being open to experience everything. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/6/2007 2:47:33 PM | "What The Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula.
It's a short little book that gives a good introduction to the basic teachings of the Buddha and what he taught, hence the title... | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/7/2007 10:28:13 AM | Buddhism is a way of life not a religion. The books are good for an insight!! No miracles and all that rubbish just the way you feel, convert? are you real?? Why convert? What you feel on the inside is what counts not singing and dancing about it? Why not just read it up on the internet?? Look up your local Wat and pay them a visit. | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/7/2007 7:24:48 PM | A good book dealing with Buddhism is called:
Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh.
It is enjoyable to read for a beginner. Other books delve into more complex theories which could be read at a later date. A good introductory book. I meditate with a Buddhist monk and have read many books and have had many explanations on various viewpoints.
I believe you will enjoy this book. You could probably sit and enjoy half of it while reading at a book store, such as Indigo or Chapters. I have attended lectures when the Buddhists came to visit here from Tibet and it was very informative.
Why the sudden interest in Buddhism? simma | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/8/2007 4:25:30 AM |
Why the sudden interest in Buddhism? simma
It's not really a sudden interest, but something I have been curious about for a long time. It seems that people who follow these philosophies are very centered and at peace. The triggers that led me to decide to learn more about it are kind of personal, but I'll just summarize and say I'm just kind of tired of being wound so tightly and feeling lost with how to deal with the daily inequities that occur in the world and and in my own little world as well. I found these three books on Amazon and they are on their way to my door: Buddhism for Beginners, Buddhism Plain and Simple, and Living Buddha, Living Christ.
As far as this comment goes,
Buddhism is a way of life not a religion. The books are good for an insight!! No miracles and all that rubbish just the way you feel, convert? are you real?? Why convert? What you feel on the inside is what counts not singing and dancing about it? Why not just read it up on the internet?? Look up your local Wat and pay them a visit. I'm not sure you read all of my post....I'm not looking to convert, and felt the need to state that when I asked the original question so the respondents would know where I was at. And yes I'm for real....just as that post states, the books are good for an insight, and that's what I was looking for, insight. But thanks to that poster for contributing..... | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/8/2007 10:42:55 AM | Simmah,
I think the conversion thing might have been directed towards my original post. I guess I didn't explain it in enough detail maybe?
What I was trying to get across is that some people absolutely freak out if someone they know starts looking into other religions / philosophy etc.
I was raised Catholic...some will relate to this...strict knuckles on the ruler whatever you do watch out for Sister (fill in the blank of your favorite strict nun), go confess, Church at least twice a week Roman Catholic.
I went away to college and came back an amalgamation...part secular humanist, part objectivist (Ayn Rand), part buddhist and part christian...but definitely no longer Catholic. I still have people that won't talk to me decades later because "I've lost the true way".
So what I was saying that was as you look into Buddhism, you may have some well meaning but very misinformed friends and/or family that voice certain "concerns" they have.
It works for me!
Cheers! | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/9/2007 7:45:51 AM | " Start Where you Are " by Pema Chodron - easy to read , everyday language.
The author is an American Buddhist nun who is the director of the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for westerners.(Nova Scotia). | |
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| Looking for a good book on Buddhism Posted: 4/11/2007 9:30:27 PM | Actually I agree with the two other posters that Pema Chodron is another excellent choice. I would try to avoid the books for Dummies and so on, because it is far better to start with some real philosphers. The other books could taint your perspective.
Look for a Buddhist meditation center near you and this would also be helpful. | |
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