Looking for the best books on Buddhism? We asked experts to compile reading lists and discuss their recommendations in an interview. For beginners, we recommend Elizabeth Harris's discussion of introductory books about Buddhism. Donald S Lopez Jr, a Buddhism scholar, also provides an invaluable overview of the foundations of Buddhist beliefs.
If, on the other hand, you're secular but looking to bring some aspects of Buddhism into your life, Robert Wright's Why Buddhism is True is an excellent starting point. According to our philosophy editor Nigel Warburton, who chose it as one the best philosophy books of 2017, the book is "a combination of evolutionary psychology, philosophy, regular psychology, anecdotes and autobiography—defending the view that a non-religious and naturalised Buddhism captures something essential about the human condition."
We also have an interview with Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of the popular Headspace app, which teaches simple, 10-minute meditation techniques. A former Buddhism monk, he talks us through some of the books that inspired him on his journey.
Elizabeth Harris recommends the best Introductions to Buddhism
Where does one start if one wants to know about Buddhism? Professor and practitioner, Elizabeth Harris, recommends some of the best books to get you going on the path to Enlightenment.
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1
The Lotus Sutra
by Tsugunari Kubo and Akira Yuyama (traslators) -
2
Introduction to the History of Indian Buddhism
by Eugène Burnouf -
3
Bones, Stones, and Buddhist Monks
by Gregory Schopen -
4
Words of My Perfect Teacher
by Patrul Rinpoche -
5
Monkey King: Journey to the West
Wu Cheng'en and Julia Lovell (translator)
The best books on Buddhism, recommended by Donald S Lopez Jr
The best books on Buddhism, recommended by Donald S Lopez Jr
What is the Buddhist equivalent of the Bible? What is the Dalai Lama’s favourite book? Buddhist scholar Donald Lopez picks the best books on Buddhism.
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1
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
by Shunryu Suzuki -
2
The Life of Milarepa
Translated by Lobsang P Lhalungpa -
3
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
by Chogyam Trungpa -
4
The Bodhicaryāvatāra
by Śāntideva -
5
One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryōkan
by Ryōkan
Meditation Books, recommended by Andy Puddicombe
Meditation Books, recommended by Andy Puddicombe
Two decades ago Andy Puddicombe was ordained as a Buddhist monk. Now back in lay life, he tries to teach the benefits of meditation to the rest of us—most notably through the Headspace app, but also by writing books. Here he chooses some of the books that inspired him, from Japanese poetry to Tibetan philosophy. Not all are meditation books but they are his “old favorites.”
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1
The Religious Question in Modern China
by Vincent Goossaert and David Palmer -
2
Qigong Fever
by David Palmer -
3
The Missionary's Curse and Other Tales from a Chinese Catholic Village
by Henrietta Harrison -
4
Zen Baggage: A Pilgrimage to China
by Bill Porter -
5
Democracy’s Dharma: Religious Renaissance and Political Development in Taiwan
by Richard Madsen
The best books on Religion in China, recommended by Ian Johnson
The best books on Religion in China, recommended by Ian Johnson
China is a religious country with all kinds of faiths being practised across its vast territories—despite Mao’s attempts to eradicate them. The Chinese Communist Party tolerates a variety of religions but continues to grapple with the potential challenge they pose to its authority. Prize-winning journalist Ian Johnson introduces the best books on the complex topic of religion in China.
