I. Introductory
Literature
All About Buddhism: a Modern
Introduction to an Ancient Spiritual Tradition, Ven. Shravasti Dhammika,
Singapore: Buddha Dhamma Mandala
Society, 1990, 277p., 981-00-1988-2. An Australian-born monk offers an in-depth
study of the core Buddhist teachings in a clear and accessible style.(I#004)
Awakening the Buddha Within:
Eight Steps to Enlightenment: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World, Lama
Surya Das,
New
York: Broadway Books, 1997, 414p., 0-7679-0157-6. A
highly trained American lama presents the guidelines and key principles embodied
in the Noble Eightfold Path and the traditional Three Enlightenment Trainings
common to all schools of Buddhism: wisdom, ethics, and meditation trainings.
Lively stories, meditations, and spiritual practices serve to make this book
valuable to the novice and experienced student of Buddhism alike.(I#227)
Being Nobody, Going Nowhere:
Meditations on the Buddhist Path, Ayya Khema,
Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1987, 191p.,
0-86171-052-5. The late German-born Theravadin Buddhist nun gives clear,
practical instruction on meditation and techniques for overcoming conditioned
mental habits, ideas, beliefs, and limiting thinking patterns. Topics include:
the four divine abidings, the five hindrances, loving-kindness meditation, the
ten virtues, the five aggregates, kamma and rebirth, and the four noble
truths.(I#139)
Buddha and his Dhamma,
Bhikkhu Bodhi,
Kandy: BPS, 1999, 44p., (WH 433/434),
955-24-0201-8. Two lectures, delivered to an audience with almost no prior
knowledge of Buddhism, that give a clear, concise account of the Buddha's life
and teachings. Suitable for both newcomers and even those who are already
familiar with the Dhamma.(I#157)
Buddha and his Teachings,
Narada Maha Thera,
Singapore:
Singapore Buddhist Meditation Centre,
2nd ed., 1973, 461p. A classic introduction to the life of the Buddha
and the fundamentals of the Dhamma. Detailed coverage in 44 brief chapters of
the doctrines and concepts that form the common bedrock of all Buddhism. Pali
terms are well explained throughout the text.(I#001)
Buddha-Dhamma for
Students, Buddhadasa Bhikkhu,
Bangkok: Dhamma Study and Practice Group, 1988,
85p. Clearly presents the Buddha's teaching in a format of 48 brief question and
answers; e.g. "How is non-grasping to be practised?", "Could we recognize an
arahant?". The Thai author is practical, factual, and down-to-earth in his
answers and includes relevant quotations from the Buddha.(I#086)
Buddhism, Richard Gard
(ed.),
New
York: George Braziller, 1961, 256p. A
Yale
University lecturer presents the beliefs
and practices of Buddhism as expressed in the major writings of the Buddhist
traditions. Includes a detailed look at the Buddha as a teacher and ideal, the
Four Noble Truths, descriptions of life in Thai, Japanese, and Tibetan
monasteries, and Buddhist society and lay groups and activities.(I#240)
Buddhism: A Very Short
Introduction, Damien Keown,
New
York: Oxfo957rd University Press, 1996, 134p.,
0-19-285386-4. In clear and straightforward language, and with the help of maps,
diagrams and illustrations, this book explains how Buddhism began and how it
evolved into its present-day form. The central teachings and practices are set
out clearly, and key topics such as karma and rebirth, meditation, ethics, and
Buddhism in the West, receive detailed coverage. The distinguishing features of
the main schools are explained. Presents a sound basic introduction to
Buddhism.(I#217)
Buddhism in a Nutshell,
Narada Thera,
Kandy: BPS, 1975, 64p. An concise introductory
overview of the fundamental principles of Buddhist doctrine. Topics covered
include: the life of the Buddha, the Dhamma (Is it a philosophy? A religion? An
ethical system?), the Four Noble Truths, the Law of Kamma, Rebirth, Dependent
Origination, Anatta, and Nibbana.(I#015)
Buddhism in Daily Life,
Nina van Gorkom,
Colombo,
Sri Lanka: H.M.
Gunasekera Trust, 1980, 178p. A Dutch practitioner of vipassana learned in
Thailand divides her book into two
parts: Buddhist outlook of daily life, and mental development in daily life. The
chapters are written in the form of questions and answers and contain many
quotations from the Buddha's teachings.(I#199)
Buddhism in Daily Life,
Nina van Gorkom,
London: Triple Gem Press, 1996, 2nd
revised ed., 187p., 1-897633-16-5. An introduction to the main ideas of
Theravada Buddhism including vipassana meditation. The author's aim is to help
readers see how the Buddha's teachings can be used in everyday life by ordinary
people.(I#252)
Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to
Awakening, Stephen Batchelor,
New
York: Riverhead Books, 1997, 127p., 1-57322-058-2. This concise book demystifies Buddhism by
explaining, without jargon or obscure terminology, what awakening is and how to
practice it. What Buddha taught, says the author, is not something to believe in but something to do...something that can be practiced
every day.(I#223)
Buddhist Handbook: A Complete Guide to Buddhist Teaching
and Practice, John Snelling, [
London]: Prospero Books, 1998, revised by Gill
Farrer-Halls, 373p., 1-55267-847-4. Contains information on: the Buddha, basic
teachings and practices of Buddhism, the different schools, meditation, the
spread of Buddhism to the West, and an interesting "who's who" section listing
and describing a wide variety of contemporary teachers, writers, and
practitioners. A notable omission in this British publication is the lack of
mention of Ven. H. Gunaratana or the Bhavana Society monastery in
West Virginia.(I#218)
Essence of
Buddhism, Jo Durden Smith,
London: Arcturus
Pub., 2004, 240p., 1-84193-187-x. A clear, straightforward introduction to the
rich traditions of Buddhism and its ideological foundations. Part one presents
historical background, the life of the Buddha, and his teachings. Part two looks
at Buddhism in the first 500 years, Mahayana, Tantra, and Buddhist developments
throughout the world.(I#271)
Fundamentals of Buddhism, Dr. Peter D. Santina,
[
Singapore:
Srilankaramaya
Buddhist
Temple], [1984], 139p. The transcript of
twelve well-presented public lectures by an American scholar on the basic
Buddhist teachings.(I#095)
Fundamentals of Buddhism: Four Lectures, Nyanatiloka,
Colombo,
Ceylon: Buddha Sahitya Sabha, 1968,
88p. Talks given in the first half of the 20th century on the topics
of: Essence of Buddhism, Karma & Rebirth, Dependent Origination, and Mental
Culture.(I#048)
Gems of Buddhist Wisdom,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia: Buddhist Missionary
Society, 1996, 2nd ed., 519p., 967-9920-67-4. An anthology of 31
articles on different aspects of Buddhism written in a simple and concise
manner. The different writers are primarily monks from
Malaysia,
Sri
Lanka, and Europe.(I#197)
Going for Refuge, Taking the Precepts, Bhikkhu Bodhi,
Kandy: BPS,
1981, 85p. (WH 282/284). An excellent introduction to the purpose, meaning, and
fruits of taking refuge in the Triple Gem and of observing the
precepts.(I#118)
Heart of Buddhism: Practical Wisdom for an Agitated
World, Guy Claxton,
London: Thorsons, 1990, 191p., 1-85538-274-1. A
highly readable introduction to Buddhism as being a practical, comprehensive way
to improve the quality of everyday life by cultivating greater peace of mind and
generosity of spirit.(I#222)
How to Live
Without Fear & Worry, K. Sri Dhammananda, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Buddhist Missionary Society, 1989, 254p., 967-9920-48-8. A practical method of
living a life free of fear and worry that is divided into four sections: worry
and its source, how to overcome worry now, ingredients for happiness, and
techniques for happy and successful living. The approach is based on Buddha's
teachings of Right Understanding but the author also uses many examples from
other religions and great thinkers.(I#151)
Introduction to
Buddhism: An explanation of the Buddhist way of life, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso,
London: Tharpa
Publications, 1993, 150p., 0-948006-27-7. An introductory book on Buddhism and
meditation by a Tibetan meditation master who has been living in the West since
1977. Covers the basics of Buddhism as well as the Mahayana teachings on the
Bodhisattva's way of life, cultivating bodhichitta and the six
perfections.(I#251)
Lay Buddhist
Practice, Bhikkhu Khantipalo,
Kandy: BPS, 1982, 80p., (WH 206/207). A helpful
practical manual for lay Buddhists covering devotional practice (bowing, setting
up a shrine room, etc.), uposatha day observances, lay precepts, and basic
meditation techniques.(I#051)
Light on
Enlightenment: Revolutionary Teachings on the Inner Life, Christopher
Titmuss,
Boston: Shambhala, 1998,
219p., 1-57062-514-X. An articulate and readable introduction to the Buddha's
teachings by a former Buddhist monk who continues to lead insight meditation
retreats worldwide. Topics covered include: Four Noble Truths, Triple Gem, Eight
Worldly Conditions, Five Aggregates, Five Hindrances, Four Foundations of
Awareness, Five Precepts, Four Divine Abodes, and Four Absorptions. The text is
enriched by the many questions posed to challenge the reader's own views and
habits, along with suggested meditations and practice advice.(I#233)
Mayflower II: On
the Buddhist Voyage to Liberation, C.T. Shen,
Taipei,
Taiwan: Buddha Educational
Foundation, 1983, 179p., 0-915078-03-1. A collection of speeches delivered to
the American general public by a lay practitioner. Topic headings are: analytic
method of thinking, basic teachings, meditation, Bodhisattva vow, and living
Buddhism.(I#056)
Practising the
Dhamma with a view to Nibbana, Radhika Abeysekera, [
Sri
Lanka], 1998, 132p. A Canadian lay teacher
clearly presents out the why and how to practice the dhamma in six chapters.
Some of the topics that she covers include: past life stories of the Buddha that
illustrate the ten perfections/virtues, was the Buddha a saviour?, the nature of
all conditioned experience, what is nibbana?, and changing one's behaviour. The
author writes in plain English and inserts many quotes from the suttas into the
text.(I#266)
Refuge: An
Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, & Sangha, Thanissaro Bhikkhu
(Geoffrey DeGraff), [
California]: Dhammayut Order, 1998,
2nd ed., 86p. A short introduction to the basic principles of
Buddhism through a look at the Triple Gem or Refuge. The material is divided
into three parts: an introductory explanation on the meaning of refuge and the
act of going for refuge, selected readings from the Buddha's teachings, and
short essays on the Triple Gem.(I#250)
Scientific
Rationalization of Buddhism, Dr. S.P. De Silva,
Colombo,
Ceylon: Metro Printers, 1969, 187p. A
collection of essays that stresses the testable nature of the fundamentals of
Buddhism.(I#071)
Simple Guide to
Life, Robert Bogoda,
Kandy: BPS, 1994, 50p., (WH 397/398),
955-24-0125-9. In clear and simple terms, this booklet offers thoughtful advice
to help the lay Buddhist lead a householder's life in line with the Buddha's
teachings.(I#120)
Tree of
Enlightenment, Dr. Peter Della Santina, [
Chico,
CA:
Chico Dharma Study
Foundation], 1997, 353p. A general introduction to the major Buddhist traditions
divided into four sections: the fundamentals of Buddhism, the Mahayana, the
Vajrayana, and the Abidharma. The author is an American-born Buddhist scholar
who meditates and follows the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.(I#111)
What Buddhists
Believe, K. Sri Dhammananda,
Taipei,
Taiwan: Buddha Educational
Foundation, 5th ed., 1993, 332p., 967-9920-29-1. Written in response
to questions posed to the author in the course of his speaking tours throughout
Malaysia. An accessible introduction
written in a clear, non-technical manner.(I#113)
What is the Triple
Gem?, Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo,
Kuala
Lumpur,
Malaysia: WAVE, 1953, 72p. A thorough
handbook for all who have declared the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha to be their
refuge.(I#172)
What the Buddha
Taught,
Walpola Rahula,
New York: Grove Press,
2nd ed., 1974, 151p., 0-394-17827-0. An authoritative, somewhat
scholarly introduction to the Buddha's teachings which includes a presentation
of the Four Noble Truths, meditation, and a selection of illustrative texts
translated from the Pali.(I#114)