Literary theme analysis, by a book like {foo}
Books about Buddhism
Siddhartha
by Hermann Hesse
A spiritual journey of self-discovery for a young man in search of enlightenment.
The story takes place in the ancient Nepalese kingdom of Kapilavastu . Siddhartha decides to leave his home in the hope of gaining spiritual illumination by becoming an ascetic wandering beggar of ... (Wikipedia)
Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality
by Brad Warner
A punk rocker turned Zen master shares his unconventional journey to enlightenment, blending humor and irreverence with Buddhist teachings.
This is not your typical Zen book. Brad Warner, a young punk who grew up to be a Zen master, spares no one. This bold new approach to the "Why?" of Zen Buddhism is as strongly grounded in the ... (Goodreads)
The Dharma Bums
by Jack Kerouac
A journey of self-discovery, fueled by a passion for Buddhism and nature.
The character Japhy drives Ray Smith's story, whose penchant for simplicity and Zen Buddhism influenced Kerouac on the eve of the sudden and unpredicted success of, On the Road, . The action shifts ... (Wikipedia)
The Art of Happiness
by Dalai Lama XIV
A spiritual guide to finding lasting joy and contentment.
An updated edition of a beloved classic—the original book on happiness, with new material from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler,Nearly every time you see him, he's laughing, or at ... (Barnes & Noble)
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
by Shunryu Suzuki
A guide to Zen meditation and philosophy, exploring the power of mindfulness and introspection.
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” So begins this most beloved of all American Zen books. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a ... (Goodreads)
The Way of Zen
by Alan W. Watts
An exploration of the philosophy, history and psychology of Zen Buddhism.
In his definitive introduction to Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts explains the principles and practices of this ancient religion to Western readers. With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, he ... (Goodreads)
The Dhammapada
by Anonymous
A collection of Buddhist teachings and wisdom, focusing on the path to enlightenment.
The Dhammapada (Pāli; Prakrit: धम्मपद Dhammapada; Sanskrit: धर्मपद Dharmapada) is a collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form and one of the most widely read and best known Buddhist ... (Goodreads)
The Snow Leopard
by Peter Matthiessen
A spiritual journey to the Himalayas, seeking to observe a rare snow leopard.
When Matthiessen went to Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and, possibly, to glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard, he undertook his five-week trek as winter snows were sweeping into the ... (Goodreads)
Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama
by Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama's personal account of his life and struggle for Tibetan independence, including his exile in India.
In this astonishingly frank autobiography, the Dalai Lama reveals the remarkable inner strength that allowed him to master both the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the brutal realities of Chinese ... (Goodreads)
The Tibetan Book of the Dead. First Complete Translation
by Padmasambhava
A guidebook for the dying and dead, providing insight into the afterlife and the journey of the soul.
The first complete translation of a classic Buddhist text on the journey through living and dying. Graced with opening words by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the Penguin Deluxe Edition of The Tibetan ... (Goodreads)
Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to understanding and managing anger, offering practical techniques for finding peace and compassion in difficult situations.
"[Thich Nhat Hanh] shows us the connection between personal, inner peace and peace on earth." ,–,His Holiness The Dalai Lama Nominated by Martin Luther King, Jr. for a Nobel Peace Prize, Thich Nhat ... (Barnes & Noble)
Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior
by Chögyam Trungpa
A guide to the spiritual path of the warrior, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and bravery in everyday life.
In this practical guide to enlightened living, Chögyam Trungpa offers an inspiring vision for our time, based on the figure of the sacred warrior. In ancient times, the warrior learned to master the ... (Goodreads)
Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A fictionalized biography of the Buddha, following his journey from prince to enlightenment and teachings.
Drawn from original sources, Old Path White Clouds is the beautiful classic recounting of the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha over the course of eighty years. It is retold alternately through ... (Goodreads)
Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
by Pema Chödrön
A guide to breaking free from habitual patterns and fears, and embracing change and uncertainty with courage and compassion.
Learn to free yourself from destructive habits and live a life of courage and compassion with these heart-to-heart teachings from "one of the world's wisest women" (,O, the Oprah Magazine,). Ever ... (Barnes & Noble)
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
by Dalai Lama XIV
Exploring how to find true and lasting happiness in a constantly changing world.
Two great spiritual masters share their own hard-won wisdom about living with joy even in the face of adversity. The occasion was a big birthday. And it inspired two close friends to get together in ... (Goodreads)
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A practical guide to meditation and mindfulness, exploring their power to bring peace and joy.
In this beautiful and lucid guide, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercise as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness–being awake and fully aware. From washing ... (Goodreads)
Zen in the Art of Archery
by Eugen Herrigel
A study of the spiritual practice of Zen Buddhism through the lens of archery.
The path to achieving Zen (a balance between the body and the mind) is brilliantly explained by Professor Eugen Herrigel in this timeless account. This book is the result of the author’s six year ... (Goodreads)
Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
by Robert Wright
An exploration into understanding how Buddhist philosophy and practices can bring about enlightenment.
From one of America’s greatest minds, a journey through psychology, philosophy, and lots of meditation to show how Buddhism holds the key to moral clarity and enduring happiness. Robert Wright ... (Goodreads)
Buddhism Plain and Simple
by Steve Hagen
A clear and concise introduction to Buddhism, emphasizing the practical aspects of the philosophy and its relevance to modern life.
When the Buddha was asked to sum up his teachings in a single word he said "awareness"—experiencing the whole of reality, seeing what is, and being entirely in the present. In this way, the mind is ... (Barnes & Noble)
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
by Sogyal Rinpoche
Guide to attaining inner peace in life and death, drawing from Buddhist wisdom.
“A magnificent achievement. In its power to touch the heart, to awaken consciousness, [ The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying ] is an inestimable gift.” — San Francisco Chronicle A newly revised and ... (Goodreads)
What the Buddha Taught
by Walpola Rahula
In-depth exploration of Buddhist philosophy, teachings, and practices.
This indispensable volume is a lucid and faithful account of the Buddha’s teachings. For years,” says the Journal of the Buddhist Society , the newcomer to Buddhism has lacked a simple and reliable ... (Goodreads)
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion
by Yukio Mishima
A young Buddhist monk's descent into obsession and tragedy, in a search for beauty and perfection.
The protagonist, Mizoguchi, is the son of a consumptive Buddhist priest who lives and works on the remote Cape Nariu on the north coast of Honshū . As a child, the narrator lives with his uncle at ... (Wikipedia)
Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
by Sharon Salzberg
A guide to cultivating loving-kindness and compassion towards oneself and others, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Throughout our lives we long to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of connection with others. Our fear of intimacy—both with others and with ourselves—creates feelings of pain and ... (Barnes & Noble)
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to cultivating mindful awareness and inner peace in the midst of everyday life.
In the rush of modern life, we tend to lose touch with the peace that is available in each moment. World-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and author Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to make ... (Goodreads)
Mindfulness in Plain English
by Henepola Gunaratana
Comprehensive guide to the Buddhist practice of mindfulness, for achieving mental clarity and peace.
Author Bhante Gunaratana, a renowned meditation master, takes us step by step through the myths, realities, and benefits of meditation and the practice of mindfulness. This expanded edition includes ... (Goodreads)
Zen Shorts
by Jon J. Muth
A young boy learns the power of nature and the importance of compassion and understanding.
Three children, Karl, Michael and Addy, encounter a giant panda named Stillwater. The panda carries a red umbrella and speaks in a "slight panda accent". For the next three days, the three kids visit ... (Wikipedia)
The Way of the Bodhisattva
by Śāntideva
A guide to the path of enlightenment and compassion, emphasizing the importance of altruism and selflessness in achieving inner peace.
One of the great classics of Mahayana Buddhism, The Way of the Bodhisattva ( Bodhicharyavatara ) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment, and to generating the qualities of love, ... (Goodreads)
Buddha in Blue Jeans: An Extremely Short Simple Zen Guide to Sitting Quietly and Being Buddha
by Tai Sheridan
A concise guide to Zen meditation, emphasizing the simplicity of being present and finding enlightenment in everyday life.
Poet-Philosopher and Zen Priest Tai Sheridan's 'Buddha in Blue Jeans' is an extremely short, simple, and straight forward universal guide to the practice of sitting quietly and being yourself, which ... (Barnes & Noble)
The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
by Pema Chödrön
A guide to overcoming fear and embracing life, through spiritual practice and self-reflection.
Lifelong guidance for learning to change the way we relate to the scary and difficult moments of our lives, showing us how we can use all of our difficulties and fears as a way to soften our hearts ... (Barnes & Noble)
Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure
by Sarah Macdonald
A humorous journey through India, exploring its culture and diversity.
In her twenties, journalist Sarah Macdonald backpacked around India and came away with a lasting impression of heat, pollution and poverty. So when an airport beggar read her palm and told her she ... (Goodreads)
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to mindfulness and living in the present moment, with practical exercises and insights for daily life.
Cut through the busyness and anxieties of daily life to discover the simple happiness of living in the present moment, as taught by a world-renowned Zen monk In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh—Zen monk, ... (Barnes & Noble)
Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World
by Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama offers a secular approach to ethics, emphasizing the importance of compassion and kindness in creating a better world.
“A book that brings people together on the firm grounds of shared values, reminding us why the Dalai Lama is still one of the most important religious figures in the world.” — Huffington Post , “Best ... (Barnes & Noble)
Living Beautifully: with Uncertainty and Change
by Pema Chödrön
A guide to finding peace and happiness in a constantly changing world by embracing uncertainty and impermanence.
Best-selling author and spiritual teacher Pema Chödrön shares life-changing practices for living with wisdom, confidence, and integrity amidst confusing situations and uncertain times. We live in ... (Barnes & Noble)
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
by Pema Chödrön
A guide to finding peace and strength in times of chaos and uncertainty, using Buddhist teachings and personal anecdotes.
Pema Chödrön's perennially best-selling classic on overcoming life's difficulties cuts to the heart of spirituality and personal growth—now in a newly designed 20th-anniversary edition with a new ... (Barnes & Noble)
No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to transforming suffering into happiness and inner peace through mindfulness and compassion.
The secret to happiness is to acknowledge and transform suffering, not to run away from it. In, No Mud, No Lotus, Thich Nhat Hanh offers practices and inspiration transforming suffering and finding ... (Barnes & Noble)
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life
by Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama teaches how to cultivate compassion in daily life, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.
How does one actually become a compassionate person? What are the mechanisms by which a selfish heart is transformed into a generous heart? The Dalai Lama's teachings on this essential subject, drawn ... (Goodreads)
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh offers practical tools for facing and transforming fear, helping readers find peace and courage in difficult times.
“Written in words so intimate, calm, kind, and immediate, this extraordinary book feels like a message from our very own heart….Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most important voices of our time, and we ... (Barnes & Noble)
Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion
by Pema Chödrön
A collection of teachings on embracing uncertainty and cultivating fearlessness and compassion in everyday life.
Comfortable with Uncertainty offers short, stand-alone teachings designed to help us cultivate compassion and awareness amid the challenges of daily living. Gleaned from Pema Chdrn's best-selling ... (Goodreads)
Everyday Zen: Love and Work
by Charlotte Joko Beck
A guide to Zen practice in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of being present and mindful in all aspects of life.
A Zen guide to the problems of daily living, love, relationships, work, fear and suffering. Combining earthly wisdom with spiritual enlightenment, it describes how to live each moment to the full and ... (Goodreads)
The Wisdom of No Escape
by Pema Chödrön
A guide to embracing the present moment and finding peace in the midst of chaos. Learn to love yourself and the world around you.
Massmarket edition of this spiritual guide to making the most of life, through bad times as well as good, from bestselling author Pema Ch?dr?n. This accessible book has been on the US bestseller ... (Goodreads)
Bangkok 8
by John Burdett
An intrepid detective investigates a murder in the seedy underworld of Bangkok.
A thriller with attitude to spare, Bangkok 8 is a sexy, razor-edged, often darkly hilarious novel set in one of the world’s most exotic cities. Witnessed by a throng of gaping spectators, a ... (Goodreads)
The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
by Dalai Lama XIV
The Dalai Lama explores the intersection of science and spirituality, arguing for their compatibility and the importance of ethical considerations in scientific progress.
Galileo, Copernicus, Newton, Niels Bohr, Einstein. Their insights shook our perception of who we are and where we stand in the world, and in their wake have left an uneasy coexistence: science vs. ... (Goodreads)
The Dalai Lama's Cat
by David Michie
A Tibetan monk's journey of personal growth and spiritual awakening, accompanied by a wise and lovable cat.
“‘Oh! How adorable! I didn’t know you had a cat!’ she exclaimed. I am always surprised how many people make this observation. Why should His Holiness, not, have a cat? ‘If only she could speak,’ ... (Goodreads)
Breakfast with Buddha
by Roland Merullo
A man's spiritual journey in the company of a wise monk.
The entire story is narrated in first person by Otto Ringling. Otto is a 44-year-old American who lives in a suburb of New York City and is a senior editor at a Manhattan publishing house which ... (Wikipedia)
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
by Chögyam Trungpa
A critique of the spiritual materialism that pervades modern spirituality, and a guide to genuine spiritual practice.
In this modern spiritual classic, the Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa highlights the commonest pitfall to which every aspirant on the spiritual path falls prey: what he calls spiritual ... (Goodreads)
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings
by Paul Reps
A collection of Zen and pre-Zen writings, including koans, stories, and poems, that offer insights into the nature of reality and the human condition.
When Zen Flesh, Zen Bones was published in 1957 it became an instant sensation with an entire generation of readers who were just beginning to experiment with Zen. Over the years it has inspired ... (Goodreads)
Real Happiness: A 28-Day Program to Realize the Power of Meditation
by Sharon Salzberg
A practical guide to meditation, offering a 28-day program to cultivate happiness and inner peace.
A, New York Times, best seller—now revised and updated with new exercises and guided meditations. “An inviting gateway to the interior territory of profound well-being and wisdom.”—Jon Kabat-Zinn, ... (Goodreads)
Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment
by Deepak Chopra
A fictionalized account of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became the Buddha, and his journey to enlightenment.
Bestselling author Deepak Chopra brings the Buddha back to life in this gripping novel of the young prince who abandoned his inheritance to discover his true calling. This iconic journey changed the ... (Goodreads)
True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to cultivating true love in all relationships, including with oneself, through mindfulness and compassion practices.
In this little treasure, Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Zen monk, offers timeless insight into the nature of real love. With simplicity, warmth, and directness, he explores the four key aspects of ... (Goodreads)
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
by Wayne W. Dyer
A journey of self-discovery, exploring the Tao Te Ching to cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth.
Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our ... (Barnes & Noble)
Awakening the Buddha Within: Eight Steps to Enlightenment
by Surya Das
Guide to understanding and embracing the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
Lama Surya Das, the most highly trained American lama in the Tibetan tradition, presents the definitive book on Western Buddhism for the modern-day spiritual seeker. The radical and compelling ... (Goodreads)
The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
by Yongey Mingyur
A Buddhist monk shares his personal journey and scientific insights on how to cultivate happiness and inner peace.
For millennia, Buddhists have enjoyed the limitless benefits of meditation. But how does it work? And why? The principles behind this ancient practice have long eluded some of the best minds in ... (Goodreads)
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