The ONE book for beginners

[Wonky Badger]

Let's say you met a complete beginner, not knowing much about the four noble truths or the noble eightfold path and having no idea about different buddhist schools.
If you could recommend only one book, which one would you choose?

I haven't read so many, so I would have to go with "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

[David]

"What the Buddha Taught" by Rapola Wahula.  If it's available, "The Buddha and His Teachings" by Narada Mahathera is even better, but can be hard to find.

[dumb bonbu]

[Graavan]

"Buddhism Plain and Simple" by Steve Hagen is a very good book!

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

If the person is going to be patient enough to get through Bhikkhu Bodhi's compilation of suttas referenced above by Dumb Bonbu, then I'd go with that.

Otherwise, if they'd prefer something compact, I'd recommend the first Buddhist text I ever read.

Good Question, Good Answer - Ven. Dhammika
http://www.buddhanet.net/qanda.htm

Metta,
Retro.

[Wonky Badger]

"The Buddha and His Teachings" by Narada Mahathera is even better, but can be hard to find.

For hard-to-find books, http://www.bookfinder.com/ is a great place to start. And after a visit there, I usually check if http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ would happen to have it cheaper as they generally have low prices (at least if you're located in Europe) and free shipping, and they also recently started with free ebooks. I guess it's mostly old stuff that the copyright has expired on. There were a few ones relate to Buddhism.

Otherwise, if they'd prefer something compact, I'd recommend the first Buddhist text I ever read.

Good Question, Good Answer - Ven. Dhammikahttp://www.buddhanet.net/qanda.htm

Metta,
Retro.

I'm reading that now. I've been thinking about translating it to Swedish if I have some spare time. There doesn't seem to be so much Buddhist literature in Swedish.

[humanitas]

Greetings,

If the person is going to be patient enough to get through Bhikkhu Bodhi's compilation of suttas referenced above by Dumb Bonbu, then I'd go with that.

Otherwise, if they'd prefer something compact, I'd recommend the first Buddhist text I ever read.

Good Question, Good Answer - Ven. Dhammika
http://www.buddhanet.net/qanda.htm

Metta,
Retro.

This is a fabulous resource.  I sent it to my brother who's been asking about "where to start" with Buddhism.

[Hungry Ghost]

Myth of Freedom.       Chogyam Trungpa.

[Padawan]

For a complete beginner with no previous exposure I would reccommend Buddhism for Dummies. It covers all the basics, and each branch of Buddhism.

[WonderlandAlli]

For a complete beginner with no previous exposure I would reccommend Buddhism for Dummies. It covers all the basics, and each branch of Buddhism.

I totally bought that book... :P

[Mr. Gordo]

Let's say you met a complete beginner, not knowing much about the four noble truths or the noble eightfold path and having no idea about different buddhist schools.
If you could recommend only one book, which one would you choose?

I haven't read so many, so I would have to go with "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

[dumb bonbu]

Let's say you met a complete beginner, not knowing much about the four noble truths or the noble eightfold path and having no idea about different buddhist schools.
If you could recommend only one book, which one would you choose?

I haven't read so many, so I would have to go with "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

i recently gave that book to a friend who'd displayed an interest in Tibetan Buddhism. regardless of tradition, it's a great read, good choice! 

[caritas]

"Do your best to be kind. When you find a quiet moment, sit, and gently watch your thoughts and feelings. Remember that one day you, too, will die."

[Ngawang Drolma]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is such a prolific writer.  I'd recommend anything he's published.  The first Buddhist book I read was "The Art of Happiness," and it was very receivable and a good starting place for me.

 

[Drang]

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Buddhism for Beginners by Venerable Thubten Chodron



"This book is written for people wanting to understand basic Buddhist principles and how to integrate them into their lives...it will be of much benefit to its readers."--the Dalai Lama

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