Some basic overview of its history and tenets?
I was recently told (by a buddhist) that what I do know about it is wrong, so I'd like to mitigate my ignorance if possible. ;)
Thx in advance for any good suggestions.
2007-11-19 00:34:19 · 7 answers · asked by Acorn 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"It's Easier Than You Think," by Sylvia Boorstein has a number of virtues:
- It provides a complete, non-sectarian overview of the basics of Buddhism
- It takes a non-theoretical approach to the basics, with stories drawn from the author's own life
- It's short and witty and sometimes LOL funny
- The author is a recognized teacher
2007-11-19 05:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by P'ang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be tempted to dive into something too specific / profound. Look for a something that promises "the basics". The FWBO (Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) have produced a couple of basic books, one "Introducing Buddhism" by Chris Pauling, the other "Principles of Buddhism" by Kulananda. For going deeper, the FWBO have "Who is the Buddha", What is the Dharma" (the teaching) and "What is the Sangha" (the community of practioners). These will suit you if you like an intellectual approach. For teachings from the heart, try Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching". Good luck on your journey.
2007-11-19 15:12:53 · answer #2 · answered by paul r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any beginner book on Buddhism. Books by the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh. There is a CD set by Jack Kornfield ( a leading Western Buddhist teacher) you can find them on Amazon. This is a beginner set. Good luck on your journey. It just makes so much sense:) Also, buddha.net is a pretty good website for basics.
2007-11-19 08:46:02 · answer #3 · answered by Yogini 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
there are many books on buddhism history and stuff.
But I would prefer to get recommandation from this forum,
you could choose which buddhism you want to know more about and ask the folks there.
2007-11-19 08:44:31 · answer #4 · answered by zoomee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the teaching of our Divine Buddha were a secret unto himself and his worldly knowledge and consummate alacrity of thought can only presumed upon. However, one empirical truth shines though...he posed for some lovely statues and Thailand is a lovely country that makes for a wonderful backdrop!
2007-11-19 08:52:47 · answer #5 · answered by headsiwin 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Karen Armstrong has written a book called 'Buddha', which might be worthwhile to check out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143034367/ref=s9_flash_asin_image_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=0V0R1ZR2G2PA1WBF9JC7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=292859101&pf_rd_i=507846
2007-11-19 09:21:54 · answer #6 · answered by Amelie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.buddhanet.net has everything you could want, from a five-minute introduction to downloadable copies of many major texts. All free.
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2007-11-19 08:43:40 · answer #7 · answered by ABB 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋