Recommended Books

I own a few books on Buddhism (here’s what I’ve catalogged thusfar). Below are the ones that I’ve read and can recommend most. There are many “classics” that I haven’t gotten to yet. With time.

Of course, your list might be totally different. After all, what do I know?

Zen

Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock Monster Movies & the Truth About Reality by Brad Warner

This is the book that rang my bell, shook my salt shaker, and slapped me silly. A great read, even if Zen isn’t your thing.

Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma by Brad Warner

A worthy follow-up to Hardcore Zen.

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

A classic for a reason.

One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan by Ryokan

Some great poetry if you appreciate beauty in brevity.

How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment by Eihei Dogen

It can be hard to summarize zen thought in a concise, understandable way, despite it being a very practical philosophy. Kosho Uchiyama Roshi manages to do so and even Dogen’s “Instructions for the Zen Cook” is quite accessible in this translation.

The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza editted by John Daido Loori

Some of the stuff’s a little heady, but overall a good read.

General Buddhism

The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights by Norm Phelps.

Food of Bodhisattvas: Buddhist Teachings on Abstaining from Meat by Shabkar.