bodom wrote:See these recommendations:
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=341" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In my opinion, having read them all, they are all straight Buddhadhamma. Nothing new age here and they are all written for a western audience.
Do any of those books give instructions on how to meditate on the 6 recollections - the original objects of meditation for the lay community, or on how to deal with hindrances and asavas as they arise?
Overcomplicating practice can be as much of a problem as oversimplifying it. I used to have a problem doing both. But I've done enough research, and talked with enough people to know exactly what I need to read, practice, and study. I just find it a little frustrating there are so few resources (that I know of) that detail something other than calmness and present moment awareness.
How great would it be if there was a big book that made mention of all the important topics in Theravada Buddhism like the 4 noble truths, 8 fold path, 5 precepts, 10 fetters (and/or 3 influxes), and the triple refuge? It could even include quotes from the Buddha and his disciples. A great title for it could be 'In The Buddha's Words', and perhaps Bhikkhu Bodhi could write it?
But seriously... We already have 1 amazing book that explains the dhamma. Now we just need one that details the practice, from different angles, so different people can find a shoe that fits.