Buddhism books
Buddhism books to start from. Open one to see books like it, or tell BookSense what you loved for four picks made for you.
Start here
New to the genre? These 5 are the books to read first.
What the Buddha Taught
Walpola RahulaA widely used introduction to the core doctrines of early Buddhism, written by a Theravada monk and scholar.
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
Shunryū SuzukiShort talks on Zen meditation practice that became a standard entry point to Zen in English.
When Things Fall Apart
Pema ChödrönDescribes Tibetan Buddhist ideas about suffering, impermanence and staying present during difficulty, and is among the most-read Western Buddhist books.
The Art of Happiness
His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the XIV Dalai LamaA conversation with a psychiatrist that sets Buddhist ideas about happiness and compassion alongside everyday questions.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
Thích Nhất HạnhA practical guide to mindfulness in daily activities, from a Vietnamese Zen teacher whose work shaped Western mindfulness teaching.
Chosen and described with AI from our notes on the genre.
Reading lists
More buddhism books
- The Way of Zen
The Way of ZenAlan Watts - The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
The Tibetan Book of Living and DyingSogyal Rinpoche - The Buddha and His Dhamma
The Buddha and His DhammaB. R. Ambedkar - The Tibetan Book of the Dead
The Tibetan Book of the DeadPadma Sambhava - Freedom in Exile
Freedom in ExileHis Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the XIV Dalai Lama - The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow DownHaemin Sunim2017 - How to Be an Adult in Relationships
How to Be an Adult in RelationshipsDavid Richo2002 - Radical acceptance
Radical acceptanceTara Brach2003 - Indian philosophy
Indian philosophySarvepalli Radhakrishnan1923 - 10% Happier
10% HappierDan Harris2014 - Living Buddha, living Christ
Living Buddha, living ChristThích Nhất Hạnh1995 - The Places That Scare You
The Places That Scare YouPema Chödrön2001