Re: Buddhist Text for Non-Buddhist?
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:21 pm
If we assume that the object is not to convert but to give a glimpse of Buddhadhamma in action, perhaps " A Still Forest Pool " might fit the bill.
A Buddhist discussion forum on the Dhamma of Theravāda Buddhism
https://www.dhammawheel.com/
I would strongly recommend the chapter on Buddhism in Huston Smith's World Relgions. It is succinct, covers both Theravada and Mahayana and really accurately and sympathetically explains what Buddhism is about. Al in about 30 pages. A great introduction.nomad wrote:My mother, a devout Christian, has recently shown an interest in my study of Buddhism. She asked if I had any books to loan her so that she could learn more about what it is that I believe and practice. I have a few hard-copy books, but I am afraid that they may not be what she is looking for. I was thinking about giving her “Being Nobody, Going Nowhere” and “Who is My Self?”, but I am wondering if that would help her at all. I think that she just wants an understanding of her son’s faith and is not looking to transition anytime soon. Do you guys think that these would be good books to give or would you recommend something else? I would prefer to stay away from e-books because her knowledge of computers is extremely limited.
Thanks,
With Metta
~nomad
Excelent recommendation Mikemikenz66 wrote:For something with Buddhist attitudes with not technicalities there is Ajahn Brahm's "Opening the door to your heart"
http://www.bswa.org/zencart/index.php?m ... 8110a4f3d9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
[American Title: "Who ordered this truckload of dung?"].
Yes, that was the first Buddhist text I ever read.... and, well... I became Buddhist, so it must have done the trick!David N. Snyder wrote:http://www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net/
Good Question, Good Answer by Ven. Dhammika is excellent, short, but not too short, concise, in plain English and to the point. It covers all the major issues and clears up some misconceptions.
And it is available online, free!
The Buddha's life:So can anyone recommend a book, in the Theravada tradition, that looks at Buddha's life and Buddhist teachings?
What I would take to the wilderness would be different to what I would recommend to someone starting out on the path. For me, it would be:The book you would take if you had to spend the next 20 years in the wilderness
This is getting a bit off-topic and should be raised in a thread of its own, But what I will say is that at the beginning there's no problem with becoming familiar with different traditions. In time, you may wish to settle down and follow the teachings and instructions from one teacher within one tradition.Last question. Is this something I should be worrying about now? I am assuming there are major differences between Zen and Theravada, and learning Zen without a teacher...well I really want to learn more about Theravada.
Thich Nhat Hahn in his books (like the ones above) tends to present some basic Buddhist teachings that are fundamental to all traditions. Like dependent origination or what he has dubbed "interbeing," mindfulness and compassion.Bonsai wrote:I have Old Path White Clouds and The Heart of Buddha's Teachings on the way in the mail. A light bulb just flicked on in my brain in that Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Monk, and I am interested in Theravada Buddhism, since the latter holds true to the original teachings (from what I've read). Also, Zen requires a teacher, and I don't have one.
So can anyone recommend a book, in the Theravada tradition, that looks at Buddha's life and Buddhist teachings? The book you would take if you had to spend the next 20 years in the wilderness, yet a book that is easy to read for someone new to Buddhism. I am still looking forward to reading Hanh's books, but I am a linear thinker. 1 leads to 2 leads to 3. Yet when you replace 2 with 5, or turn 3 upside down, then I get lost.
Last question. Is this something I should be worrying about now? I am assuming there are major differences between Zen and Theravada, and learning Zen without a teacher...well I really want to learn more about Theravada.
Thanks for all answers! And I hope the hijacking was okay, since it's related to the original topic and what was discussed here about Hanh.
I agree. That's the book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to have a general overview of Buddhism.David N. Snyder wrote:http://www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net/
Good Question, Good Answer by Ven. Dhammika is excellent, short, but not too short, concise, in plain English and to the point. It covers all the major issues and clears up some misconceptions.
And it is available online, free!