Buddhism Books For Beginners:
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a path of spiritual development that brings us wisdom of the true nature of reality. Through meditation, being mindful of our monkey minds, and following the teachings of Buddha, we can become enlightened.
An enlightened being sees the impermanent nature of reality as it truly is, and learns to let go of their attachments and embrace nirvana.
Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator god. The basic beliefs of Buddhist teachings are to help us release ourselves from suffering (Dukkha). Buddha’s teachings of The Four Noble Truths, and The Eightfold Path will help us achieve Nirvana.
There are many helpful books available to assist you on your journey to enlightenment through Buddhism.
Embracing Nirvana is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate Disclosure
Here are some of the best books about Buddhism for beginners.
No-Nonsense Buddhism For Beginners:
By Noah Rasheta
About the author:
Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist teacher, author, and host of the podcast Secular Buddhism. He teaches mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy online and in workshops all around the world. He works with others to make the world a better place as he studies, embodies, and teaches the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy, integrating Buddhist teachings with modern science, humanism, and humor.
From the Back Cover:
“How is an awakening different from enlightenment? Can agnostics and atheists be Buddhist? Am I supposed to stop thinking when I meditate?
Let Noah Rasheta, leading Buddhism teacher and host of the popular Secular Buddhism podcast, guide you through these common questions and many others in No Non-sense Buddhism for Beginners.”
For a No Non-sense approach to Buddhism check out Noah’s enlightening book.
The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching:
By Thich Nhat Han
About the Author: Thich Nhat Han is a Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, poet, and peacemaker who was nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most revered and influential spiritual teachers in the world today. Born in Vietnam in 1926, he became a Zen Buddhist monk at the age of sixteen. Over seven decades of teaching, he has published more than 100 books, which have sold more than four million copies in the United States alone.
He established the international Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism in France, now the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe, and the heart of a growing community of practice centers around the world. He lives in Hue in Central Vietnam.
From the Back Cover: In The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, now revised with added material and new insights, Nhat Hanh introduces us to the core teachings of Buddhism and shows us that the Buddha’s teachings are accessible and applicable to our daily lives.
Covering such significant teachings as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Doors of Liberation, the Three Dharma Seals, and the Seven Factors of Awakening, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching is a radiant beacon on Buddhist thought for the initiated and uninitiated alike.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a great teacher who inspires many of his students worldwide.
Buddhism For Beginners:
By Thubten Chodron
About the Author:
Thubten Chodron is an author, teacher, and the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey, one of the first Tibetan Buddhist training monasteries for Western nuns and monks in the US. She graduated from UCLA, and did graduate work in education at USC.
Ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1977, she has studied extensively with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsenzhap Serkong Rinpoche, and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. She received full ordination as a bhikshuni in 1986.
Buddhism for Beginners is a user’s guide to Buddhist basics taking the most commonly asked questions—beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?”—and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction—as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life.
Buddhism for Beginners is an ideal first book on the subject for anyone, but it’s also a wonderful resource for seasoned students, since the question-and-answer format makes it easy to find just the topic you’re looking for, such as:
Buddhism for Beginners is a great book to help you learn about the basics of Buddhism.
Buddhism Made Easy:
By Shalu Sharma
Buddhism Made Easy is a book that is written by Shalu Sharma. Shalu writes about the history of Buddhism, Buddhist principles, and their enlightening beliefs.
Her book teaches about karma, reincarnation, Nirvana and many other interesting aspects of Buddhist teachings.
Shalu Sharma states, “This book is not meant to convert anyone nor will it try to convince you to become a Buddhist.” This well written, and well researched book is meant to educate you so you can make your own informed decision if Buddhism is right for you.
From the Back Cover:
“This book is a must read for anyone looking to get an insight on Buddhism. It covers all aspects of Buddhism and defines what it is in such a way that everyone can understand it. Despite Buddhism being one of the oldest religions in the world, there are many people who still do not understand it. In fact, they misinterpret the teachings so much because they only know what they see in television and movies.
These depictions of Buddhism are often wrong and send out the wrong message of what Buddhism actually teaches. In a nutshell, it teaches that suffering is bad, but it is also guaranteed in our physical world. It doesn't matter how rich or poor a person is because they will eventually endure suffering in their life. However, the state of mind you carry with you determines the amount of suffering you will endure.
That is where the teachings of Buddha come into play. He will show you that refraining from cheating, lying, sexual misconduct, killing and intoxication are the key ways to overcome suffering upon yourself and others.”
Buddhism Made Easy will teach you the basics of Buddha’s teachings.
Why Buddhism is True:
By Robert Wright
Robert Wright is the bestselling author of The Evolution of God , Nonzero, and The Moral Animal. He has taught in the psychology department at the University of Pennsylvania and the religion department at Princeton University. He is currently Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York.
From the Back Cover:
“At the heart of Buddhism is a simple claim: The reason we suffer—and the reason we make other people suffer—is that we don’t see the world clearly. At the heart of Buddhist meditative practice is a radical promise: We can learn to see the world, including ourselves, more clearly and so gain a deep and morally valid happiness.In this pathbreaking book, Robert Wright shows how taking this promise seriously can change your life—how it can loosen the grip of anxiety, regret, and hatred, and how it can deepen your appreciation of beauty and of other people. He also shows why this transformation works, drawing on the latest in neuroscience and psychology, and armed with an acute understanding of human evolution Wright explains why the path toward truth, and the path toward happiness are one and the same.”
Find out for yourself what an amazing book Why Buddhism is True is. Come join us on Facebook Click here...
You Might Also Like:
Astral Projection in BuddhismSamsara
The Monkey Mind
Samskaras
Enlightened T-Shirts
Embracing Nirvana is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
All links on this site are subject to being sponsored content for which we will receive financial compensation.
