Beginners' books

[Lingpupa]

Yes, it's THAT old question. Years ago I would have been confident what to say, but it's a long time since I had anything to do with people just starting out, and I'm not sure that I trust my own judgement.

There are a couple of people who live not that far from me, both of them ladies of a certain age. Both are keen to learn more about Buddhism. One of them made a trip to Thailand some years ago, and was shown (by what she describes as a sympathetic Christian guide) some temples and the like. She came away with a good impression. The other has been a few times to a centre in England (sotto voce: NKT), but will not be going often and would like to take things further. They are looking to me for suggestions, particularly books. As I understand it, they plan to study in parallel and I, looking down from my great mount of wisdom, will dispense guidance, suggestions and corrections.

I have told them fairly clearly that although I do know quite a lot, I can only speak with any authority about Tibetan Buddhism, and really only about the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions – not that they are yet in a position to grasp what that means.

I think they do actually want to learn something proper, but I'm sure most of us will realise that many of the books that we think are really good when we have quite a bit of experience would be offputting and dry to a complete beginner.

The two things that have jumped to my mind are that they might get hold of The Words of my Perfect Teacher, along with the suggestion that they might browse in the Berzin Archives on the web.

While I'm sure that they could do worse than those two things, I am wondering if they might do better still. Any suggestions?

[Paul]

How to Practice by HH Dalai Lama is a good ground-level book. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche is a good one too.

[Sherlock]

Crystal and the Way of Light
B. Alan Wallace's books
Crystal Mirror series if you can find it
Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

[Punya]

There are some recommendations in this earlier thread http://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.ph ... troductory.

[Terma]

How to Practice by HH Dalai Lama is a good ground-level book. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche is a good one too.

2 great recommendations. I think these were 2 of the very first books that I read when I was first starting out.

[Manju]

`Joy of Living` by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche was the first book where the puzzle peaces fell into place for me, so to speak.
This was after 5 years of Ngondro plus 3 times full meditation through the Lam Rim teachings.

http://thubtenchodron.org/ Ven. Thupten Chodron has much to offer for the very beginners and I will be forever grateful.

I found Ani Tenzin Palmo`s `Reflections On A Mountain Lake` very inspiring in the beginning.

Remember seeing a video talk with Ani Palmo.
This was my first week into Buddhism and the talk very basic.

Seems like already at that point something rang through, because leaving the Dharma Center (in the Himalayas) and taking my seat in the taxi I was surprised to see the taxi driver (who was as usual trying to increase the fare beyond any reasonable cost) as.....Buddha.

An incredible shift in perception and a clear indication that years later the path would definitely be Vajaryana.
Thank you Ani Palmo.



Manju

[tingdzin]

Assuming that these people are interested in Buddhism rather than Tibetan Buddhism specifically, it might be better to avoid some of the works recommended above, which are clearly practitioners' favorites and meant for those with a little knowledge and experience already. HH Dalai Lama's books should be fine, as well as stuff by Achahn Chah, Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, Dzongsar Jamyang, Khyentse.

[Kim O'Hara]

Assuming that these people are interested in Buddhism rather than Tibetan Buddhism specifically, it might be better to avoid some of the works recommended above, which are clearly practitioners' favorites and meant for those with a little knowledge and experience already. HH Dalai Lama's books should be fine, as well as stuff by Achahn Chah, Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, Dzongsar Jamyang, Khyentse.

I was thinking the same thing.
And I was wondering when someone was going to mention HHDL's The Art of Happiness.

I guess I just did that.


Kim

[Zen Mantra]

Assuming that these people are interested in Buddhism rather than Tibetan Buddhism specifically, it might be better to avoid some of the works recommended above, which are clearly practitioners' favorites and meant for those with a little knowledge and experience already. HH Dalai Lama's books should be fine, as well as stuff by Achahn Chah, Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, Dzongsar Jamyang, Khyentse.

I was thinking the same thing.
And I was wondering when someone was going to mention HHDL's The Art of Happiness.

I guess I just did that.


Kim

I own this book; 'The Art of Happiness'.
I am currently reading it.

[Lingpupa]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've decided to go with Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones - thanks, Sherlock, it hadn't occurred to me, though it's a book I do treasure myself!

I take the point about avoiding some "practitioners favourites", as they can be too specialized and make too many assumptions. OTOH I didn't want to go for something so bland that it's only likely to inspire sitting round with a cup of tea saying "Oh, that's nice dear, isn't it?" Something with enough beef that they can actually react to it. I hope it's a good choice!

Thanks again