The Foundations of Buddhism (OPUS) by Rupert Gethin Average Rating: "Having studied Buddhism privately and academically for over 20 years I usually consider introductory works not worth the bother. When I saw the outraged comments from the one-star reviewer below, however, I thought that this could be an interesting work. As another stated, most presentations of Buddhism that are made for Westerners are usually filtered to some extent, particularly older ones that are taking the Buddhism-is-the-secular-religion-for-us-grown-up-Westerners routine. ..."
No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva by Pema Chodron Average Rating: "The title of this book may intimidate a little. But believe me, this book is a treasure. This is the best of all of Pema Chodron's wonderful books. It is the most practical and helpful of her guides on the Buddhist spiritual path. She doesn't presume we already are Bodhisattvas (saints) -- but this book can remind us of the steps toward that end, no matter who we are. ..."
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer Average Rating: "I came across this book while I was browsing through the travel narrative shelf of a local bookstore. I decided to purchase it after i finish reading the opening chapter! Beyond just a Tibet practical guidebook, the Mr. Harrer gave a true yet touching account of his expereince and bond with the Tibetans. ..."
Suns of God: Krishna, Buddha and Christ Unveiled by Acharya S Average Rating: "Acharya S is a wonderful scholar who thoroughly ferrets out a picture of the truth behind the world's religions. To a large extent, this truth is the symbolic mythology of astro-theology, which predates all major existing religious belief systems. Acharya S provides extensive references and documentation of her contentions, exposing the lack of historicity for the personalities associated with major religions. ..."
Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Damien Keown Average Rating: "This book is well written and scholarly, but has a definite Mahayana and Tibetan bias. For instance, the assertion that reincarnation and states of future existance (hell beings, hungry ghosts, etc.) is fundamental to all Buddhist groups is not true. The docterine stems from a 1200 AD Cambodian text, and there are Buddhist discourses that warn against debate on reincarnation (with arguements about the implicit assumption of a self or soul that may lie in this belief). ..."
The Dhammapada (Classics of Indian Spirituality) Average Rating: "The Dammapada went to the core of my being like few books have done before. This book literally transformed previous pain into genuine compassion and understanding. The work of Eknath Easwarren is a noble gift to humanity. His introduction brings you into the life of Buddha, where you "feel" what He went through, and how he overcame the same doubts, anxieties, and responses from ego that we all strive to overcome. ..."
Buddha, Volume 1: Kapilavastu (Buddha) by Osamu Tezuka Average Rating: "Our family read this book and it's companion, The Four Encounters, cover-to-cover, just about non-stop. They were both totally engaging.As a Buddhist, I was wondering what this treatment of the Buddha's life would be like. This is my first exposure to manga style. My only reference point is comic books. ..."
Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series) by Thich Nhat Hanh Average Rating: "When I ordered this book, I really expected a disorganized mix of Thich Nhat Hanh's writings and quotes...was I wrong.The book has quickly become one of my favorites...it has helped me understand many buddhist concepts I had a hard time understanding in only a few short pages.You'll read about situations, concepts, the Buddha and more all in this great book...words really cannot do it justice. ..."
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