Books on Buddhism

Today, for some reason, I felt that I ought to have a posts listing some good recent books on Buddhism. So, here they are. In addition, there are some good websites that provide introductions to Buddhism, of which I have linked three: Introduction to Buddhism, buddhaweb.org, and Fundamental Buddhism.

• What Do Buddhists Believe? Meaning and Mindfulness in Buddhist Philosophy by Tony Morris. This book, meant to be a short and accessible introduction to Buddhism, contains an explanation of the core beliefs of Buddhists, which aim to orientate the follower towards living a wise, happy, and compassionate life.

• Treasures of the Sakya Lineage: Teachings from the Masters by Migmar Tseten. Treasures of the Sakya Lineage is a rich collection of teachings by both contemporary and ancient Sakya masters, showing a thousand years of lineage continuity. It provides an overview of the history, view, key lineage figures, and crucial teachings of the oldest continuously operating institution among the four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sakya School has long been known for its balanced approach to study and practice. The writings of Sakya scholars have been deeply influential in every school of Tibetan Buddhism and they continue to be now. A great resource for students and practitioners of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, this volume contains teachings from great Sakya scholars and meditation masters, including: H. H. Sakya Trizin, Khenpo Appey, Sakya Pandita, Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen, Chogye Trinchen, Choegyal Phagpa, Migmar Tseten.

• The Dhammapada: Verses on the Way by Glenn Wallis. The nature of the self, the value of relationships, the importance of moment-to-moment awareness, the destructiveness of anger, the suffering that attends attachment, the certainty of death - no other spiritual text speaks to these issues of human consciousness more clearly and profoundly than does the Dhammapada. The 423 verses here - given fresh significance in Glenn Wallis's brilliant translation - offer us a distillation of core Buddhist teachings. Also included is Wallis' Guide to Reading the Text - a chapter-by-chapter explication that greatly enhances our understanding. Scholars, lovers of great inspirational literature, and seekers of enlightenment alike will find this new edition of the Dhammapada to be both illuminating and enriching.

• The Buddha in Life and Art by Nigel Cameron. No memorial throughout history has towered higher than the many monuments to Buddha spread across Asia. With the aid of fascinating colour photographs, this book showcases Buddhist heritage sites and Buddhist art.

• The Emergence of Buddhism by Jacob Kinnard. This book for college students presents the history of one of the world's most ancient religions. Topical essays explore the origins of Buddhism, the social and philosophical context in which it was born, Buddha himself, his followers, the main Buddhist precepts, and the spread of the religion.