Hi All,
What with the holidays approaching, I've been asked what I would like for Christmas and I would love an informative book on Buddhism (I know it sounds strange.... "Christ"mas presents - Buddhism book!!!);)
I don't know hardly anything about Buddism, I am a Reiki Practitioner and feel that it would compliment my practice (not that Reiki is a religion, I know!). It's just something that I've always been drawn to. My great Grandfather was Chinese (although you would never guess by looking at me) and so my father always had Chinese ornaments and fat bellied Buddha's around, which I have sort of picked up from him.
But I would love to know what it's all about! Any good books out there?
Love
Sian
RE: Book Recommendations??? Please!
Hi Sian
I read "Buddhism Plain and Simple" by Steve Hagen when I first became interested in Buddhism. It was brilliant, without going too Zen like it explains the basics of Buddhism nicely. I found that some of the other books were too much for me but this one was perfect 😀
RE: Book Recommendations??? Please!
Bookshops:
Shambhala Publications
http://www.shambhala.com
Snow Lion Publications
http://www.snowlionpub.com
Wisdom Publications
http://www.wisdompubs.com
RE: Book Recommendations??? Please!
A bit too late for the hols you had in mind, Sian, but I'm just revisiting two books of John Blofield. His style is very chatty so a real nice read. These ar enot textbooks 'all about' Buddhism, but are autobiographical about his own experiences in seeking to find out, in China, about particular aspects of Buddhism. Full of lovely and intriguing meetings with Buddhist monks and masters:
Bodhisattva of Compassion. The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin.
and:
(oops, this isn't Buddhism, but ah well - )
Taoism, The Quest For Immortality.
Venetian
RE: Book Recommendations??? Please!
Hi Sian
I'd recommend anything by Thich Naht Hanh (lots to choose from) and I also like "Insight Meditation - The Practice of Freedom" by Joseph Goldstein - very readable...
Good luck.