Below are a number of excellent PDF books from famous masters and writers who offer a clear and insightful knowledge and wisdom on Zen, Thiền, and Shin Buddhist traditions. Let us know on social media, Facebook, which ones most benefit you on your journey.
THE ZEN TEACHINGS OF HUANG PO. We highly recommenDed this complete translation of the original collection of sermons, dialogues, and anecdotes of Huang Po, the illustrious Chinese master of the Tang Dynasty that has influence Chan, Zen and Thiền practice for centuries.
THE SEEKER’S GLOSSARY OF BUDDHISM: This free book is the best compendium of excerpts and quotations from some 350 works by monks, nuns, professors, scholars and other laypersons from nine different countries, in their own words or in translation. This is an excellent necessary resource for those seeking greater intellectual and historical knowledge of Buddhism in general.
THE MIRACLES OF MINDFULNESS. This modern classic on the introduction to mindfulness practice will change your life. Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) and Pure Land master, Hanh’s down-to-earth yetprovides a poetic explanation of Buddhist mindfulness, full of anecdotes, and practical exercises.
THE HEART OF THE BUDDHA’S TEACHING. This is one of BFF of CT’s all time favorite book on the core teachings of Buddha written by the late Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) and Pure Land master, Thich Nhat Hanh.
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH OF A THE HOUSEHOLDER. Written by the respected Buddhist teacher, Jack Kornfield, this book These is aimed at the householder (non-monastic) on the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, the Noble Eightfold Path. The tone of the teaching is contemporary, practical, and non-technical.
THE BUDDHA AND HIS DISCIPLES. This biography retells what the historical Buddha was like as a person, how he taught and how he changed the lives of all who were blessed enough to come into contact with him, and recounts thestories and personalites of his key disiciples. Written by the Venerable S. Dhammika.
JODO SHINSHU: A GUIDE. This is a concise, easy to read, abridged edition of the book with the same title, provides an overview of general Buddhism and the basic Shin Buddhist teachings aka Jodo Shinshu.
THE SUTRA ON THE EIGHT REALIZATIONS OF GREAT BEINGS. Written by the late Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) and Pure Land master, Thich Nhat Hanh, this scriptural translation and commentary explores the virtues of simplicity, generosity, and compassion realized by enlightened beings.
TO UNDERSTAND BUDDHISM. This straightforward book covers the blending of Chinese Chan and Pure Land teachings by Master Chin Kung who was a immitent monk and scholar of the Mahayana tradition.
DHARMA MIND, WORDLY MIND. This general Mayahana book tells us what we need to put in place for complete Dharma practice – the Eightfold Path, going for refuge, the Bodhisattva spirit, meditation, mindfulness, loving-kindness, practice in daily life, karma and rebirth, spirituality and faith and so much more.
MEANING OF CONVERSION by Sangharakshita: This online book explores the topic of religious conversion. If someone is a Buddhist in the West, the chances are they have converted to Buddhism. But what does this mean? In this book the Buddhist life is viewed as a process of conversion at deeper and deeper levels – as a perpetual revolution.
SHIN SUTRAS TO LIVE BY. This short book offers a clear, skillful, and contemporary English versions of a several traditional and popular Shin Pure Land chants with new meaning.
THE COLLECTED WORKS OF SHINRAN SHONIN: This complete online compendium of this 13th century Japanese religious thinker’s literary works are now online in plain English. Before reading this book we recommend that you first read the introductory book River of Fire, River of Water by Taitatsu Unno in order to get a outline and basic understanding of the ideas and philosophy behind Shin Buddhism.
THE ZEN OF LIVING AND DYING: A PRACTICAL AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE. Written by Zen Master Philip Kaplea, this is one of the best books on the subject. Kapleau explores the subject of death and dying on a deeply personal level, interweaving the writings of Western religions with insights from his own Zen practice, and offers practical advice for the dying and their families.
A MANUAL FOR BUDDHISM AND DEEP ECOLOGY: This book explores the enviromental and ecological teachings of the historical Buddha and how to practice and participate and this deep dharmic ecology.