Best Beginner’s Buddhist Books (we’re all beginners).

Growing up, I was (as are most young punks) half-crazy with hormones, thoughts, adrenaline, ambition and insecurity.

What got me through those days? A great mom. Some great, patient girlfriends. Basketball, and baseball, and anything that tired me out. Meditation.

And, reading the “profound, holy Dharma”—a series of Buddhist books that, better than any would-be mentor, connected with my heart and mind and experience—and fomented an inner dialogue that helped me to grow up, relax, and think about others (almost) as much as myself.

My Favorite Buddhist Books*

• Anything by Pema Chodron, particularly if you have little interest in being Buddhist, but need some grounding and wisdom and sanity and tough love in your life.
• For someone who’s active in the world, family-oriented, not-too-cynical & not-too-religious: Shambhala.
• For someone who just likes to read great writing: How the Swans Came to the Lake…
• …or Crooked Cucumber.
• For just about anyone anywhere anytime: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind…
• …or Wisdom of No Escape.
• For scholarly types: Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism.

*for newer Dharma titles, see Shambhala Sun’s recommendations here and be sure to read the comments) including excellent books by Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and a certain ‘simple monk.’

PS: back in the day, I used to read a page of Training the Mind—it’s so practical and helpful. Finally, it fell apart and I bought another, which now sits on my office desk.

What are your favorite Dharma books, that you’d recommend for others? All traditions welcome! Thich Nhat Hanh? Zen? Insight?

~

Best Buddhist Books for Beginners with Simple Meditation Instruction from Waylon Lewis:

Relephant bonus: a famous meditation practitioner and writer: