Hi, about 3 months ago, i became very interested in buddhism. I dont know which form of buddhism to study. There are so many forms. Tibetan, Theravadin, and such. Which would be best? Does it matter? Are there any books that i should read? I live in the country, so i cant really go anywhere to study this, so i was planning on studying it in books for now until i can move. Should i use books or just wait? I have already read two books, including An idiots guide to buddhism to see what its about, and i have read Buddhism for Beginners. I basically dont know what to do from here. Any ideas?
alan watts has published a large number of books on zen buddhism, the one's i've read being very beautifully written and great introductions for westerners. i definitely recommend them if you have any access to libraries.
How about: The Book (on the Taboo Againest Knowing Who You Are), Alan Watts, 1966. Small paperback 148 pages. His best book, I think. Easy to read, direct message. Should be in libraries? and most book stores as it is a very popular book. Tao Te Ching, Lao Tsu. My favorite copy is a large format paperback by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English, 1972, full of pictures and short poem like sayings by the old master. Not Buddhism but Taoism....but they're just about the same thing anyway. Very easy to read. Much to contemplate. There are lots of translations of this book, I like this one. For a novel like book try, Old Path White Clouds, Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh, 1991.This is a big book. Paperback, 572 pages. I paid $26.00 for this one. The life and teachings of the Buddha from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources. Hanh is a very good writer, enjoyable read. A more scholarly work might be The Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha, edited by E. A. Burtt, 1955. This has early discourses and sayings of the Buddha and later basic writings. You can probably find this in a good libray as I got my copy as required reading in college years ago. Stay away from D.T. Suzuki until later. I'm sure these are all available used on Amazon.com. Take one into the woods, find a nice tree, and look within.
I also recommend What the Buddha Taught, by Walpola Rahula The links on the names are to Amazon.com. Heck, you may even be able to check it out of your local public or school library. What the Buddha Taught was my very first book on Buddhism and I recommend it to everyone. With loving-kindness and compassion, Darrell
Try: The Gospel of Buddha - compiled from a variety of Buddhist texts by Paul Carus. The Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Teaching and Practice - by John Snelling.
Entering the Stream is an excellent book, it is a compilation of modern and ancient writers on all manner of topics. Please read this book. If Tantra interests you I'd suggest Essential Practice by Khenchen Trangu Rinpoche (Karma Kagyu, a tibetan lineage)
