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Buddhism Without Beliefs |
Down-to-earth discussion of Buddhist concepts that transcends the "eastern" cultural dressings that can confuse or turn off the skeptical westerner. Buddhism is a practice that we can engage in regardless of background or beliefs. |
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Start Where You Are |
Actually, any book by Pema Chodron is recommended for beginners (and non-beginners!). Abbess of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Chodron is an American who has thoroughly studied the traditional Tibetan path and is able to present its essence in an accessible way. |
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The Miracle of Mindfulness |
A very beautiful guide to mindfulness by a Vietnamese monk who has a substantial (and richly deserved) following in the West. |
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Awakening
the Buddha Within: |
The book is built around the Eightfold Noble Path, which are the steps the Buddha outlined as the means to awakening. Reading Lama Surya Das is like engaging in a friendly conversation with an old friend. |
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Loving-kindness:
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A book on loving-kindness (metta in Pali) by a well-seasoned teacher. Through story, example and meditation exercises, she helps us develop the Four Divine Abidings of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. |
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Seeking the
Heart of Wisdom: |
The meditation teaching given here will reinforce the basic instruction given in class. The authors go deeper into some of the underlying concepts that are the foundation for meditation practice. |
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A Path with
Heart: |
Our life is more than just coming to meditation class or sitting on our cushion at home. Crafting a life that is wholesome, joyous and filled with love is something that we all can do. |
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Breath by
Breath: |
The author follows the outline of the Anapanasati Sutra as his teaching vehicle. This sutra, along with the Satipatthana Sutra, is the mainstay of Theravada Buddhist meditation instruction. |
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The Tibetan
Book of Living and Dying |
It is part autobiography, part inspirational stories and all deep teachings centred on the titled themes, extraordinarily well written. |
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Lotus in
the Fire: The Healing Power of Zen |
Autobiography of a Toronto Zen student's experience with a devastating illness, coming close to dying and his spiritual journey around this time in his life. |