Welcome to our collection of recommended books! Each book below has been thoughtfully chosen to provide meaningful insights into Buddhist teachings and support your spiritual growth. Some of these books are also used in our Buddhism 101 courses. They range from foundational texts to modern interpretations, from Mahayana to Theravada teachings, helping you connect deeply with the Buddhadharma – The Buddha’s Teachings/Way.
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Your support allows us to continue and expand our offerings, bringing the Buddhist teachings to more people. Thank you for walking this path with us!
General Buddhism
Buddha-Dharma: The Way to Enlightenment is a momentous almost biblical narrative of the Buddha’s life and teachings that ties together the Theravāda Mahāyana scriptures. This comprehensive work guides readers through foundational sutras, ethical principles, and meditation practices. We can’t emphasize enough how good this book is for any truth-seeker’s Buddhist journey.
The Buddha’s Teachings on Prosperity by Bhikkhu Basnagoda Rahula explores the Buddha’s practical advice on achieving success, happiness, and balance in everyday life. With insights on sex, money, relationships, work, making decisions, and ethical living, This is another must read!
The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith is a practical and accessible guide that introduces readers to the most foundational teachings of Buddhism. This modern classic offers clear explainations and steps to incorporate the Eightfold Path into daily life, making it ideal for anyone.
Awakening of the Heart by Thich Nhat Hanh offers readings of essential Buddhist sutras like the Heart and Diamond Sutras, and Discourse on Happiness alongside relatable commentary. His wonderful book is a concise yet profound guide to the Mahayana teachings and their relevance to modern life.
Shin Buddhist Books
River of Fire, River of Water by Taitetsu Unno is the best and most ideal first step into Shin Buddhism for the contemporary truth-seeker; this modern classic offers the most accessible introduction to Shin Buddhism in the English language. It’s a must read. Buy it!
Taitetsu Unno’s second book Shin Buddhism: Bits of Rubble Turn into Gold delves deeper into the nuances of Shin teachings and their relevance to modern life. It explores more intricate themes, offering rich insights for those ready to expand their understanding to the Shin Buddhist path. We highly recommend first reading his River of Fire, River of Water into to understand the basics of Shin before reading this beautiful book.
We highly suggest The Promise of a Sacred World: Shinran’s Teaching of Other Power by Nagapriya as your third Shin book for its clear and inspiring exploration of Shinran Shonin’s religious genius of spiritual transformation for ordinary people, like us.
The Buddha of Infinite Light: The Teachings of Shin Buddhism, the Japanese Way of Wisdom and Compassion by D.T. Suzuki for its scholarly yet affectionate introduction to Shin Buddhism. As the most important 21st century Zen teacher in the western world, Suzuki’s knowledge, wisdom, and clarity offer a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of wisdom and compassion that blend across Buddhist traditions. It is an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.
For those looking into the theme of living, dying and death, we highly recommend Coffinman: The Journal of a Buddhist Mortician by Shinmon Aoki (which is also a movie) for its candid exploration of these topics through the Shin Buddhism perspective. Aoki’s unique perspective as an introspective mortician offers profound insights into impermanence and compassion, making this book a powerful reflection on how to live with mindfulness, acceptance of mortality, and Buddhist hope.
Zen BuddhisT Books
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a timeless introduction and another modern classic of Zen Buddhism for its eloquent and profound insight into the mindset and practice. Since is was publishes int he 1960s, it has helped readers approach life with an open and beginner’s mind, making it an essential resource for all Zen practitioners.
Be Free Where You Are by Thich Nhat Hanh, is the longtime favorite of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship’s community. It is offers a very short (70+ pages), simple yet profound exploration of mindfulness, compassion, and inner freedom that might change your life. Here, Hanh provides practical teachings that resonate deeply with everyday life. This is a must read. Buy it!
The Zen of Living and Dying by Philip Kapleau, written by a pioneering American Zen teacher, and author of The Three Pillars of Zen, offers a practical and spiritual guide and practices to facing mortality with mindfulness, wisdom, and grace. Its profound insights blend Zen wisdom with compassionate teachings, making it an invaluable resource for navigating life’s ultimate transition.