Book Recommendation (For Folks New to Buddhism): Buddhism For Dummies

[Ishin]

I've turned a new page, and remain unattached.

[Ishin]

Just guessing this book won't make the recommend list?

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zen-sex-philip-t-sudo/1111509794?ean=9780060757991

All kidding aside I was very pleased to se I could buy a number of the books that are recommended here on Barnes and Noble, some were only 1.99 in good condition.

Gassho

C

[BrianW]

Thanks Jundo ... this is nice to know as sometimes people ask me for a simple book to read on Buddhism. I have two books, which I will try to find, that are in the style of a comic strip. One is on Buddhism and one is on Zen. From my very...very limited ability to comment on the "scholarly" nature of the material, I found them to be fairly accurate and very entertaining. Perhaps one of these days I will run across them and I will post details.
Gassho,
Jisen/BrianW

[Daijo]

Buddhism For Dummies is one of my favorites of my collection. They did do a very good job putting it together.

[LucardieC]

Thank you Jundo!

I'm excited to order this one! My toes tingle in anticipation, but however I will try to keep balanced

Deepest bows, (and some excited energy)
Chelsea

[Ishin]

I was excited to just get many of my book purchases in the mail. I started with Hagen, Buddhism is not What You Think. Hopefully I won't have to keep pestering people with so many questions. I think it is good to educate oneself, but I also can see the trap of collecting books instead of actually practicing. I will try to avoid temptation.
Gassho
C

[Neika]

If I have one criticism, I wish they had done a better job in explaining the different approaches of Zen, such a Koan Introspection Zazen and Shikantaza, which they sometimes explain but sometimes lump and mash all together.

I think that a lot of that is due to the influence of the White Plum Asanga in North America. Maezumi's influence here is tremendous, and I don't think I have been to any Zen center in California that didn't practice the combination.

Personally, I still like to hand out Steve Hagan's little white book Buddhism Plain and Simple to people who are curious about Buddhism. It is a quick, but good, little read that is always well appreciated. And doesn't cost me a lot to give out copies.

[Joyo]

Thank you for the book recommendation Jundo and Hans. I am very interested in reading it.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Josan]

I am halfway through an excellent book by David Barash where he seeks to connect buddhism and science. The early chapters deal with impermanence, non-self and interconnectedness and as a scientist I found his descriptions excellent. I'm looking forward (in a non grasping, mindful kind of way of course) to see how he deals with karma and rebirth. Here is the link if anyone is interested

http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Biology-Ancient-Eastern-Western/dp/0199985561