An introduction to the practice of meditation by thich nhat hanh. It is not necessary to believe in heavens or hells, in gods, demons, or ghosts, or even in rebirth or reincarnation in. The best books on introductions to buddhism five books. To bring us to this state, buddhism points us to lasting values in this impermanent world, and gives us valuable information about how things really are. He is also editor of the journal of buddhist ethics and coeditor. He is also editor of the journal of buddhist ethics and coeditor of the curzon critical studies in buddhism series. Best buddhism books for beginners how to learn the. A very short introduction, follows the same format as other texts in the very short introduction series it has fewer than 150 pages, is well indexed, has a useful glossary, accessible and enjoyable narrative, and captures the essence in a very short space the major points of.
A very short introduction, follows the same format as other texts in the very short introduction. This book is intended for an audience of undergraduates, buddhist practitioners looking for an overview of the tradition, and readers with a. Following in the buddhas footsteps, buddhists seek to reach nirvana, or enlightenment, a state of transcendence free from suffering, desire and the cycle of death and rebirth. Here are a couple very prejudiced, very sincere answers, albeit with a shameless plug for my own. This is the 2nd book on buddhism in the a very short introduction series vsi by oup. General general recommendations introductory books basic introductions. Keowns skill in explaining complex ideas and the books clarity of structure and. A very short introduction introduces the reader to the teachings of the buddha and to the workings of buddhism in daily life. While reading through the discussion from people of many different backgrounds and. A very short introduction very short introductions book online at best prices in india on. Founded by siddhartha gautama, later known as the buddha, circa the 5th century bce, buddhism outlines a path of personal spiritual enrichment through meditation and insight. This is a book you will constantly be coming back to, if you decide to keep pursuing buddhism that is, for it contains all of the essentials imo. An introductory book on basic buddhist teachings written in very clear language. These pocketsized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly.
If youre new to buddhism and trying to find the best buddhist book for a beginner, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of books available. The miracle of mindfulness shows up on a lot of lists for meditation books, and for good reason. What are the best introductory books about buddhism. Damien keons very short introduction to buddhism is a wonderful book written in a wellstructured way, to cover all the historic, geographic, as well as the religious, philosophical, ethical and social aspects of the buddhist religionphilosophy. This 436page book features primary sources such as photos, maps, essays and personal narratives by renowned buddhists.
What the buddha taught is the best intro to buddhism book ive read yet, i highly recommend it. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst century. This paperback as one of the very short introduction series should interest those keen on buddhism or in search of more clear understanding on the complexities regarding its. There are several major types of buddhism and the teachings covered in this book are common to many of. This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the buddha and the in.
Best buddhism books for beginners how to learn the buddhist. As the title suggests, this book is a very short, pocketsized intro to key buddhist concepts. Damien keown is reader in buddhism at goldsmiths college, university of london. A very short introduction very short introductions ebook. A very short introduction, follows the same format as other texts in the very short introduction series it has fewer than 150 pages. Most books available on hinduism in bookshops in the west today are written by non. Spam or selfpromotional the list is spam or selfpromotional. Hinduism for beginners an concise introduction to the eternal path to liberation by.
Varun soni, dean of religious life at the university of southern california, explains the fourth largest religion in the world, buddhism. Here are some of the best buddhism books for beginners. When we hosted a discussion titled what led you to buddhism. Heart of the buddhas teachings, for overview of philosophy making space, for setting up home meditation both by thich nhat hanh who also has a te. A very short introduction to buddhism is one of the best shortform books on buddhism i have read. For its succinct length, author damien keown also manages to cover a fair bit of buddhism s history as he explores the buddhas life, the origins of main concepts e. Over the years i have read many great books from all the three schools of buddhism. Although the religious aspects of buddhism are discussed, i am far more interested in presenting buddhisms philosophical and psychological side.
A very short introduction, oxford university press, 2014. Inappropriate the list including its title or description facilitates illegal activity, or contains hate speech or ad hominem attacks on a fellow goodreads member or author. A very short introduction 2e very short introductions 2 by keown, damien isbn. Gives a short introduction about the basics of buddhism, the history within asia, and its interaction and history with european culture and american culture. The buddhist path to simplicity by christina feldman womens buddhism, buddhism s women by ellison banks findly.
The latter half of the twentieth century witnessed a growing interest in buddhism, and it continues to capture the imagination of many in the west who see it as either an alternative or a supplement to their own religious beliefs. We are so fortunate in the west to have so many great buddhist books available for us to read. Songs and stories from the therigatha by susan murcott. Best intro to buddhism book download pdf books to iphone, in the west, many of us begin our journey in buddhism by reading a book. An introduction to the buddhas life, teachings, and practices the essential wisdom library by joan duncan oliver duration. To make life easier for you, ive compiled a list of my top 8 picks that i recommend for beginners. In this book, thich nhat hanh offers practical suggestions. A very short introduction, follows the same format as other texts in the very short. His books on buddhism include dictionary of buddhism and buddhist ethics. An introduction to the buddhas life, teachings, and practices by joan duncan oliver. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new.
By considering how buddhist thought has developed over the centuries, keown considers how. Keown has taught buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these. The goal of buddhism is a state of lasting, unconditional happiness known as enlightenment. Damien keowns book is a readable and wonderfully lucid introduction to one of mankinds most beautiful, profound, and compelling systems of wisdom. This very short introduction offers readers a superb overview of the teachings of the buddha, as well as a succinct guide to the integration of. Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india.
Buddhism arose from within hinduism as a protest movement and in turn profoundly influenced the directional development of modern hinduism. Unsubscribe from oxford academic oxford university press. Addresses controversial contemporary ethical issues from an uptodate and intelligent perspective. A very short introduction by damien keown waterstones. Slow down, help out, wake up by koshin paley ellison. A very short introduction damien keown very short introductions. A very short introduction by damien keown goodreads. This book covers all factions of buddhism around the world and may be one of the most comprehensive introductory books to buddhism. Damien keown looks at the distinctive features of buddhism, examining who the buddha was and what his teachings were. A very short introduction very short introductions 8601404328893.
Geshe kelsang gyastos book an introduction to buddhism, distills all the basic, essential components of buddhist thought and philosophy into a short, concise, clear, easy to read text that leaves the reader wanting to find out more about these beautiful teachings. Has chapters on buddha, karma, rebirth, ethics, meditation, art, a short timeline and, as many books in the series have, a list of books for further reading. Part of a series by oxford university press, this book, buddhism. Incorrect book the list contains an incorrect book please specify the title of the book. Despite being short 151 pages it covers all of the most important teachings very well. Within the pali canon of theravada buddhism, there is one book called the therigathathe verses of the women elders.
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