Books
The appeal of a book is such a personal experience. How the concepts are expressed, the way the teachings are illustrated with practical or anecdotal examples, the author’s tone and choice of words, are just a few of the things that either turn us on or off in reading a book. But a crucial element is sensing where we are in our spiritual path. What offers insight and knowledge to my understanding? What opens my mind and heart? Uncertainty and confusion are not negative responses to new teachings. Some teachers encourage students to sit with uncertainty and confusion, to open to it and let it inform our deeper understanding over time. I have found this method quite beneficial.
Here are a few of the books I have found growth-producing at different stages of my path. I like to blend the teachings and understanding I gain from live teachers and also from books. Many contemporary Western teachers are finding current idiom and language to bring these ancient teachings alive and meaningful for our times. Enjoy a good book like a good meal–savor the flavors and digest it slowly.
Batchelor, Martine, Meditation for Life
Batchelor, Stephen, Buddhism without Beliefs
Bhikkhu Bodhi, In the Buddha’s Words
Brach, Tara, Radical Acceptance
Chodon, Pema, When Things Fall Apart; The Places that Scare You; No Time to Lose
Goldstein, Joseph, One Dharma
Goldstein, Joseph and Kornfield, Jack, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom
Gunarantana, Ven. Henepola, Mindfulness in Plain English
Hanh, Thich Nhat, The Miracle of Mindfulness; Peace is Every Step
Kabat-Zinn, Jon, Full Catastrophe Living; Wherever You Go There You Are; Coming to our Senses
Kornfield, Jack, A Path with Heart
Lama Yeshe, Becoming Your Own Therapist and Make Your Mind an Ocean (the combined edition)
McLeod, Ken, Wake Up To Your Life
Salzberg, Sharon, Loving-Kindness
Secunda, Brant and Allen, Mark, Fit-Soul Fit-Body
Tolle, Eckhart, The Power of Now
Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Fearless Simplicity
Young, Shinzen, Break Through Pain