Summaries of books about Buddhism:
The Art of Peace
Morihei Ueshiba
The book is a collection of teachings and philosophies of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, focusing on the principles of harmony, love, and peaceful resolution of conflict. It includes verses, calligraphy, and statements that encapsulate Ueshiba's vision of martial arts as a path to personal growth and spiritual development.
See full summary
The Way of Zen
Alan W. Watts
The book explores the history, principles, and practices of Zen Buddhism, tracing its roots from ancient India through China to Japan, and delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Zen, emphasizing its experiential nature and the importance of meditation and intuition in achieving personal enlightenment. It also discusses the influence of Zen on Eastern art and culture, and its integration with Taoist and Confucian thought.
See full summary
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
The Spiritual Classic & International Bestseller: Revised and Updated Edition
Sogyal Rinpoche
The book presents a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, focusing on the teachings about life, death, and rebirth. It offers practical wisdom on meditation, facing death, and the journey of the soul, blending ancient Tibetan traditions with contemporary reflections and personal stories.
See full summary
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
50th Anniversary Edition
Shunryu Suzuki
The book presents a series of teachings on the practice of Zen meditation, emphasizing the importance of adopting a beginner's mind, free from preconceptions and open to experience. It covers various aspects of Zen practice, from posture and breathing to the understanding of non-duality and the nature of enlightenment.
See full summary
The Tibetan Book of the Dead
First Complete Translation
Graham Coleman|Padmasambhava
This book is a comprehensive translation of the Tibetan funerary text, providing guidance for the soul during the period between death and rebirth. It includes rituals, prayers, and meditations to assist the deceased through the various stages of the afterlife, aiming to secure a favorable rebirth or liberation.
See full summary
Mindfulness in Plain English
20th Anniversary Edition
Bhante Gunaratana
The book offers a clear, straightforward guide to the practice of mindfulness meditation, providing practical advice on developing mental clarity, concentration, and insight through meditation. It covers the essentials of the practice, addresses common challenges and misconceptions, and encourages a deeper understanding of mindfulness as a path to inner peace.
See full summary
The Art of Living
Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now
Thich Nhat Hanh
The book presents a collection of teachings and insights on mindfulness, compassion, and meditation from a renowned Zen master, offering practical guidance on achieving peace in everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and cultivating inner tranquility to foster understanding and freedom from suffering.
See full summary
Living Buddha
Thich Nhat Hanh
The book explores the parallel teachings and compassionate philosophies of Buddhism and Christianity, emphasizing the similarities between the teachings of Jesus and the Buddha. It encourages interfaith understanding and offers insights on how practitioners of both traditions can learn from each other to enrich their spiritual lives.
See full summary
The Places That Scare You
A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
Pema Chödrön
The book offers guidance on embracing vulnerability and uncertainty to cultivate compassion and fearlessness through mindfulness and meditation practices rooted in Buddhist teachings. It encourages readers to confront their inner demons, such as fear and avoidance, to find strength and transformation in the face of life's challenges.
See full summary
Anger
Thich Hanh
The book provides insights into understanding the roots of anger, offering mindfulness techniques to transform anger into compassion and peacefulness. It emphasizes the importance of embracing anger with mindfulness to achieve personal growth and improve relationships.
See full summary