Recommended Reading
First of all... |
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Dharma Punx, by Noah Levine |
The inspiring book that chronicles Noah's life and gives the group its name; if you're interested in Dharma Punx you gotta read this book! |
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A Gradual Awakening, by Stephen Levine |
Excellent introduction to mindfulness meditation by Noah's dad |
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Buddhism: A Concise Introduction, by Huston Smith and Philip Novak |
A great overview of the history of Buddhism. |
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Unattended Sorrow, by Stephen Levine |
Noah's dad's latest book. |
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The Udana and the Itivuttaka, Translated by John D. Ireland |
The Udana is a wonderful collection of short stories followed by a verse. Wise, interesting and excellent for meditative reflection. See Guidelines for Reading the Suttas. |
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The Mind Like Fire Unbound: An Image in the Early Buddhist Discourses, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff) |
Describes Nirvana (well, makes an attempt anyway) and what one must do to attain it according to the Suttas. Also puts the phrase in historical context so that you know a bit more about what the Buddha achieved and what he meant for others to achieve. |
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Noble Strategy: Essays on the Buddhist Path, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff) |
Presents views on basic elements in the Buddhist path — the attitudes, concepts, and practices that lead to total freedom for the mind. |
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Buddha, by Karen Armstrong |
An excellent, powerfully written (and relatively short) biography of the Buddha. |
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An End to Suffering: the Buddha in the World, by Pankaj Mishra |
Weaves together politics, travel, biography and philosophy in a quest to understand Buddha's life and teachings. |
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For a Future To Be Possible: Commentaries on the Five Mindfulness Trainings, by Thich Nhat Hanh |
Great expanded reflections on The Five Precepts by one of the world's leading Buddhist teachers |
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Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom, by Joseph Goldstein |
Key teachings, favorite stories, and answers to commonly asked questions about insight meditation by the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. |
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Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha, by Tara Brach |
Excellent and very accessible introduction to Buddhist practice by the founder and senior teacher of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D. C. |
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Small Boat, Great Mountain by Ajahn Amaro |
Josh: "Those finding the suttas difficult to interpret might want to sneak a peek at Ajahn Amaro's awe-inspiring Small Boat, Great Mountain, which has served as a guide for me during my rereadings of the Udana. The second chapter, The Place of Nonabiding, will blow your mind." |