Tibetan Tantric buddhism Dharma

Buddhism Books and Buddhist Authors

Buddhism BOoks jpg

A curated selection of 44 books including the top 10 Buddhism books and authors.

I have included my favorite Buddhism Books. Drop yours in the comments!

Buddhist Holy Books (ancient scriptures)

Tripitika.

Summary: Buddhism books

Summary: Buddhism Books

Buddhism Books: Entity Knowledge Graph

EntityDescriptionRelated Entities
BuddhismReligion emphasizing peace, enlightenment, and liberation from sufferingFoundational Text Of: The Heart Sutra, The Dhammapada
BookMediaDiscusses: The Four Noble Truths; Written By: Shunryu Suzuki, Dogen, Shinran, Thich Nhat Hanh, Walpola Rahula, Bhante Gunaratana, Dan Harris, Robert M. Pirsig
The Heart SutraFoundational Mahayana Buddhist textFoundational Text Of: Buddhism
The DhammapadaCollection of verses with core Buddha teachingsFoundational Text Of: Buddhism
The Four Noble TruthsFoundational Buddhist conceptDiscussed By: Book
Zen BuddhismMahayana school emphasizing meditation (zazen)School Of: Buddhism; Focuses On: Meditation
Pure Land BuddhismMahayana school emphasizing faith in Amitabha BuddhaSchool Of: Buddhism; Focuses On: Faith in Amitabha Buddha
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana)Esoteric school of Mahayana BuddhismSchool Of: Buddhism
MindfulnessBuddhist practice of focusing on present-moment experienceTaught By: Book
MeditationCore Buddhist practice for cultivating focus and awarenessTaught By: Book; Focuses On: Zen Buddhism
Shunryu SuzukiZen Buddhist master who popularized Zen in the WestWritten By: Book
DogenFounder of Soto Zen Buddhism in JapanWritten By: Book
ShinranFounder of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) traditionWritten By: Book
Thich Nhat HanhVietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and authorWritten By: Book
Walpola RahulaSri Lankan scholar and Theravada Buddhist monkWritten By: Book
Bhante GunaratanaSri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, author of “Mindfulness in Plain English”Written By: Book
Dan HarrisAmerican journalist and author of “10% Happier” on mindfulnessWritten By: Book
Robert M. PirsigAmerican philosopher, author of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”Written By: Book

Buddhism Books for Beginners List

Buddhism Texts:

  • The Heart Sutra: Core concepts of emptiness and interconnectedness in this concise Mahayana sutra. Heart Sutra Book
  • The Dhammapada:Explore the Buddha’s core teachings on mindfulness, karma, and the path to liberation through this collection of verses. Dhammapada Book
  • The Four Noble Truths: This foundational concept forms the bedrock of Buddhist thought. Explore books that unpack its meaning and practical applications.
  • Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior: A unique lineage based on recently discovered terma. Trungpa Rinpoche.
  • Ruling Your World: Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Meditation as the power over the mind.

2. Schools of Thought:

  • Zen Buddhism: Uncover the principles of meditation (zazen) and sudden enlightenment (satori) through books by renowned Zen masters like Shunryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind Beginners Mind or Dogen.
  • Pure Land Buddhism:Discover the path of faith and devotion to Amitabha Buddha for rebirth in the Pure Land paradise. Explore works by figures like Shinran or Thich Nhat Hanh.
  • Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana):Learn about unique practices like tantras and mandalas in this esoteric school. Consider works by the Dalai Lama or introductory texts.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation:

How to meditate like a yogi
and enter profound samadhi

  • Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana:This practical guide offers techniques for cultivating mindfulness in daily life. Mindfulness in Plain English
  • Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn:Explore the applications of mindfulness in managing stress and cultivating inner peace. Wherever You Go, There You Are
  • 10% Happier by Dan Harris:This blend of personal narrative and practical advice makes mindfulness accessible to a wider audience. 10% Happier Book

4. Buddhist Philosophy:

  • What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula:Gain a clear understanding of core Buddhist concepts like karma, rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths. What the Buddha Taught Book
  • The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron:Explore the transformative power of accepting our difficulties with a Buddhist perspective. Wisdom of No Escape Book
  • Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig:This philosophical novel explores the intersection of Zen and everyday life. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Book

5. Contemporary Buddhist Voices:

  • Radical Compassion by Jack Kornfield:Discover how Buddhist teachings can inspire social activism and compassion in action. Radical Compassion Book
  • The Mind Illuminated by John Yates:This user-friendly guide maps the stages of Buddhist meditation progress. Mind Illuminated Book
  • Haemin Sunim: Be Angry (or Happy):Through engaging stories, this Korean Zen master offers practical advice for navigating emotions Haemin Sunim Book

Buddhist Authors

  • Dalai Lama: Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, writes on a variety of topics related to Tibetan Buddhism, compassion, and world peace.
  • Dogen: Founding father of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan, known for his writings on meditation and Zen philosophy.
  • Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche: Author of Ruling Your World and Turning the Mind into an Ally
  • Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche: Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism and Meditation in Action, and Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
  • Jack Kornfield: American Theravada Buddhist teacher, author of books on mindfulness, meditation, and applying Buddhist principles in daily life.
  • Pema Chodron: American Tibetan Buddhist nun, known for her teachings on compassion, working with difficult emotions, and practicing in everyday life.
  • Joseph Goldstein: American Theravada Buddhist teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS), writes on meditation and mindfulness practices.
  • Haemin Sunim: Korean Zen master, known for his clear and practical teachings on meditation, mindfulness, and navigating emotions.
  • Shinran: Founder of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) tradition of Buddhism, emphasizing faith in Amida Buddha for rebirth in the Pure Land paradise.
  • Shunryu Suzuki: Japanese Zen master who popularized Zen Buddhism in the West, known for his emphasis on mindfulness in everyday activities.
  • Thich Nhat Hanh: Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and prolific writer on mindfulness, meditation, and engaged Buddhism.
  • Walpola Rahula: Sri Lankan scholar and Theravada Buddhist monk, known for his clear and concise explanations of core Buddhist teachings.

Additional Renowned Figures:

  • Bhante Gunaratana: Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, author of “Mindfulness in Plain English,” a practical guide to cultivating mindfulness.
  • Dan Harris: American journalist and author of “10% Happier,” a book blending personal narrative with practical mindfulness techniques.
  • Robert M. Pirsig: American philosopher and author of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” exploring the intersection of Zen philosophy and everyday life.

LSI Keywords for Buddhism Books:

Foundational Concepts:

  • Karma
  • Rebirth
  • Four Noble Truths
  • Nirvana
  • Dharma
  • Sangha
  • Eightfold Path
  • Emptiness (Shunyata)
  • Interconnectedness

Schools of Thought:

  • Theravada Buddhism
  • Mahayana Buddhism
  • Vajrayana Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism)
  • Zen Buddhism (Soto, Rinzai)
  • Pure Land Buddhism
  • Nichiren Buddhism
  • Mindfulness Meditation

Practices:

  • Meditation (Zazen)
  • Mindfulness
  • Compassion (Metta)
  • Bodhicitta
  • Precepts (Sila)
  • Chanting

Other:

  • Buddhist Monasteries
  • Buddhist Art
  • Dalai Lama
  • Buddhist Philosophy
  • Buddhist Ethics
  • Social Engagement Buddhism
  • Western Buddhism
  • Buddhist Psychology
  • Daily Life Applications
  • Beginners Guides
  • Meditation Instruction

Dedication of Merit

May all beings be happy

May all beings be peaceful

May all beings be safe

May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature

May all beings be free