Best most popular Buddhism Books
Ranked #180 in Culture & Society, #4,473 overall
Top 10 List of Best Buddhist Books
These books explain Buddhism for a modern Western audience. They generally focus on the practical aspects of Buddhism: how to live your life well and meditation.
When I started this page, I based it on what sold on Amazon and what got good ratings there. However, a year later I've updated it to list what sells best on this page. That means the order of the books has been changed and here and there some books have moved off the top 10. I do have them listed at the bottom though, as further suggestions.
I've also made a list of the best scholarly books on Buddhism.
1) The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
Thich Nhat Hanh on Buddhism
Definitely the most popular book on this page
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
Amazon Price: $8.19 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
Thich Nhat Hanh is the second most famous Buddhist teacher right now (the first being the Dalai Lama)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Countdown to Christmas
2) Peace Is Every Step
The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Amazon Price: $7.91 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
Thich Nhat Hanh is the second most famous Buddhist teacher right now (the first being the Dalai Lama)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
More of the Best Thich Nhat Hanh books and calendars
- Best Thich Nhat Hanh Mindfulness Books
- The top books by popular Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh
- Best Mindfulness Meditation Books
- The top 10 books about Mindfulness exercises and inspiration
- Mindfulness calendars, datebooks, panners and agenda books
- Mindfulness is about living the moment - not by just partying your life away, but by being aware of where you are, what you are, right now. In our busy lives this is an essential practice to make sure you don't run away with yourself. Mindfulness practice can be as simple as counting ten breaths, or being aware of your feet as you walk. Try it - you'll find it makes a difference.
- Thich Nhat Hanh Calendars and Planners
- Peace activist and teacher of mindfulness
3) How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life
The Dalai Lama about Buddhism
For the uninitiated the climb is steep, and those seeking general ethical guidance would do better with an easier text (His Holiness has written those, too). For the serious, however, the Dalai Lama offers elegant clarity about the paradoxes at the heart of Buddhism including the central Heart Sutra itself, the teaching of form-is-emptiness and about the intellectual intricacy of Buddhist teachings. Tibetan Buddhism is considered the esoteric wing of Buddhism; this slice shows some layers of its complexity while whetting the spiritual appetite for more understanding, or what Buddhists would call the intention for enlightenment.
How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life
Amazon Price: $3.42 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
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More by and about the Dalai Lama
- Best Dalai Lama Books List
- Top books by the most inspiring spiritual teacher today: best sellers
- Best Dalai Lama books and movies
- Dalai Lama Biographies
- Best Dalai Lama DVDs, CD and Blueray Disks
- Top CDs, audio books, DVDs, Videos and Blueray disks about and with the Dalai Lama
- Dalai Lama Quotes Calendars
- The spiritual and political leader of Tibet in Exile is one of the most inspiring men on earth. Born as Lhamo Döndrub, his official title now is: Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, usually shortened to Tenzin Gyatso.
4) Buddhism Plain and Simple
Top Buddhist bestseller
Buddhism Plain and Simple
Amazon Price: $5.94 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
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Bestselling famous Buddhist Author
- Best Zen Buddhism Books
- Zen Buddhism is perhaps one of the least understood forms of Buddhism, precisely because it's so well known. On the other hand - perhaps it's the type of Buddhism best suited to the west, because of it's anti-everything rhetoric.
- Who is Steve Hagen
- His book 'Buddhism Plain and Simple' is one of the best selling Buddhism books of our time. In it Steve teaches Buddhism as we many people love to see it: as a practical spiritual system, not a belief system or a religion.
5) Buddhism for Beginners
Great Thubten Chodron Bestseller
Buddhism for Beginners
Amazon Price: $7.70 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
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6) Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
Great Pema Chodron Bestseller
Copyright: Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
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More Pema Chodron Bestselling Buddhist books and insight
- Who is Best Pema Chodron Buddhism Books
- Buddhism is becoming more popular every day. Pema Chodron's books have a lot to do with that: they offer practical advice on how to deal with the troubles and annoyances of daily life. On this page I've collected her best books, her most popular books, her most practical books.
- Pema Chodron Calendars and Planners
- Pema Chodron (formerly known as Deirdre Blomfield-Brown) is an ordained Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, and a teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa. Her strength as a Buddhist teacher is the ability to apply Buddhist teachings to everyday life.
- Pema Chodron Books, Quotes and Info
- Pema Chodron Books, Calendars, Quotes and Tibetan Buddhism information on Pema Chodron
7) In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
This fascinating book brings together extracts from some of His Holiness's most powerful writings and talks. As he explains the elements of the Buddha's teachings and the basic practices of meditation, he also engages and reconciles the innovations of modern science with Buddhist perspectives. Ultimately, His Holiness calls for the celebration of diversity and the recognition of interdependence that breeds a sense of Universal Responsibility-which must govern all of our relationships in this increasingly fragmented world.
Serving as the perfect introduction to the Dalai Lama's philosophy, both Buddhist and secular, In My Own Words is just the book for gleaning insights into the mind of one of the world's greatest spiritual icons.
In My Own Words: An Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy
Amazon Price: $6.67 (as of 02/14/2012)
BUY in the UK
Also available on kindle
8) The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living
The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living
Amazon Price: $14.48 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
BUY in the UK
9) Awakening the Buddha Within
Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World
Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World
Amazon Price: $8.92 (as of 02/14/2012)
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
Also available on kindle
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10) In the Buddha's Words
A Great Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon
In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (Teachings of the Buddha)
Amazon Price: $11.88 (as of 02/14/2012)
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
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Popular in previous years: old classics
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Buddhist Wisdom
A Complete Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Buddhism
The many illustrations make the hardcover edition a great gift idea as well.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Buddhist Wisdom: A Complete Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Buddhism
Amazon Price: $14.70 (as of 02/14/2012)
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
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Buddhism for Mothers
A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children
Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children
Used Price: $4.71
Also available on kindle
Buy in the UK and Europe (amazon.co.uk)
More Great Buddhism Gift ideas and products
More about Buddhism
What's your favorite Buddhism Book?
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anticloud Jul 30, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
- I read Awakening the Buddha Within and it was wonderful. I also highly suggest Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be: Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation by the same author. It is a very enlightening read.
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Saint, of the Upliftthem Blogs
Jul 14, 2011 @ 10:53 pm | delete
- What the Buddha Taught, by Walpola Rahula, there is no Book on this planet as honest and as close to what Buddha taught to us, most of all other books do manipulate the truth and lies about Buddhism, atleast there is lots of Myths added to Buddha's teachings, that is not true. Buddha do not believe in God, do not believe in any myths and Buddha does not believe in rebirth, soul and such shits, so anyone who talks about all those things are simply Liars. If you really would like to know the truth about Buddha, then read no other than Walpola Rahula's Book, then if you wish go ahead and read all the books in the world, nothing will move you as Walpola Rahula's ground breaking honesty.
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Runnn
Jun 9, 2011 @ 4:59 am | delete
- Do you really look into Buddishism books? Good lense..
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AllisonLindsay
Apr 23, 2011 @ 8:39 am | delete
- Great lens! These are all fantastic books, particularly 'How to Practice' and 'Buddhism for Mothers'. Those are two of my most favorite books :)
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Margo_Arrowsmith
Apr 6, 2011 @ 10:50 am | delete
- I have enjoyed books by Thich Nat Hahn (SP?) and the Dali Lama, I haven't read much else.
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Reader's suggestions
Your favorite Buddhism Books: also major
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
Buddhism continues to enjoy increasing interest in the West, both for its emphasis on reflection and meditation and as an object of scholarship. Drawing the words actually spoken by the Buddha, Rahula gives a full account of his fundamental teachings, from the Buddhist attitude of mind and meditation to the Buddha's teaching in the contemporary world. The text also features a selection of texts from original Buddhist literature. Buy in Europe (Amazon.co.uk) 
Buddhism For Dummies by Jonathan Landaw, Stephan Bodian
What's the significance of Buddha? How can the practice of Buddhism enrich our never-ending hectic lives? Discover what it means to be a Buddhist in everyday life and in everyday lands in this fascinating Eastern religion. Buddhism For Dummies offers a clear, straight-forward road map that will aim to answer the fundamental questions, issues, and conflicts that arise daily. Readers will gain an understanding of what is Buddhism?, How to become a Buddhist?0 points
The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama
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 least smiling. And he makes everyone else around him feel like smiling. He's the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a hugely sought-after speaker and statesman.0 points
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism, 3rd Edition by Gary Gach
Reach Your Zen Moment!
The latest edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Buddhism updates one of Alpha Books's most successful books in the religion/spirituality category, providing extensive information on both understanding the teachings and schools of Buddhism and incorporating the tenets of Buddhism into everyday life. It also includes additional information on Buddhism's effect on popular arts and sciences, the continuing relevance of the Dalai Lama, and an annotated bibliography.0 points
True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart by Thich Nhat Hanh
Love might not be what we think it is. We all seek the happiness that comes from loving and being loved, yet we often find ourselves dissatisfied in our relationships and unable to grasp the cause. Thich Nhat Hanh here shows the way to overcome our recurrent obstacles to love-by learning to be mindful, open, and present with ourselves and others. As he explains, "training is needed in order to love properly; and to be able to give happiness and joy, you must practice deep looking directed...0 points
Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be: Lessons on Change, Loss, and Spiritual Transformation by Lama Surya Das
The beloved American Lama, a spiritual leader whose inimitable light and
lively universal teaching style has awakened the spirituality of thousands, now shares an enlightened approach to change and loss, dealing with difficult emotions such as fear, grief, and anger, and the role of crisis in uncovering our authentic selves.
For many people, recent years have been characterized by profound change, whether it relates to financial upheaval, political shifts, or even massive losses of life to disease...0 points
Ten Thousand Days of Summer by Andrea Willson
Well written introduction to the first part of Buddha's life.0 points
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- Happiness, that illusive quality, has become the subject of lots of books lately. I’ve been given several by hopeful publishers lately… hopeful that I’d review them. Well, this one is worth the review for sure. I could start at the
- Rebel Buddha: on the road to freedom, great Buddhism books
- This was a tough book to review. As I read it, I was constantly puzzled at who the intended audience was, and what the aim was. I conclude it’s an overview of the Buddhist path. As it’s based on lectures
- The Undying Lamp of Zen: the Testament of Zen Master Torei
- There is zen and there is Zen. There is Zen Buddhism, and then there is Zen Buddhism. That may sound like a Zen koan, but the point is that Zen comes in many flavors an shapes. There’s the Zen of
- Goddesses of the celestial gallery, Romio Shrestha, great Buddhism books
- I got ‘Goddesses of the celestial gallery’ for my birthday (2010). It was quite a chore to take it home: it’s almost as tall as the desk I’m sitting on (see image below)! (aka Poster size) Romio Shrestha portrays the
- Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, Shunryu Suzuki
- Golly, how do to review such a classic… The book is like a koan itself. It’s a beginner’s guide to meditation as well as a whole new approach TO meditation. Well, it was 40 years ago. Now it is, as
- Work, Sex, Money: real life on the path of mindfulness, by Chogyam Trungpa
- I honestly did not look forward to reading this book. What do work, sex and money have to do with spirituality? On glancing through the book in ebook form that impression did not improve much. However, when I started reading
- Best Buddhist Books
- Great books by Buddhist teachers like the Dalai Lama, Chogyam Trungpa, Pema Chodron and Thich Nhat Hanh
- Best Buddhism Coloring Books > Kids Gifts, Religious Gifts
- Buddhist coloring books also help visualize the Buddha and other Buddhist deities, which are a part of Buddhist meditation - at least in some Buddhist traditions like Tibetan Buddhism.
- Best Buddhist Books for kids
- Buddhist Religious Books for children. If you would like your kids to know more about the one who attained enlightenment - read on. Some of these books will definitely be enjoyed by adults too.
Author of this page: Katinka Hesselink
Katinka Hesselink has been fascinated with religion for as long as she can remember. She started studying theosophy and the world religions in earnest when she was 19. She loves reading books about any and all the spiritual traditions, Buddhist and otherwise, (Pema Chodron for instance) and reviews them online.She even did a stint of university studying World Religion, specializing in Buddhism and Indian religions.
She has gathered inspiring quotes and informative articles on Buddhism, Sufism, Mystic Christianity and of course theosophy on her website Katinka Hesselink Net. On her popular spiritual blog All Considering she shares her knowledge, experiences and thoughts on spiritual topics.
by spirituality
I'm a webmaster and student of religion and spirituality. See my website on religion and spirituality: www.katinkahesselink.net or my spiritual blog: All... more »
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The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
Thich Nhat Hanh best seller
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
Amazon Price: $8.19 (as of 02/14/2012)
What should we think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life's every moment? Loved around the world for his simple, straightforward explanations of Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh takes up the core teachings of Buddhism one by one.
Also available on kindle
Buddhism Plain and Simple
Steve Hagen
Buddhism Plain and Simple
Amazon Price: $5.94 (as of 02/14/2012)
Although Zen teacher Steve Hagen has a knack for putting the philosophy of Buddhism in a "plain and simple" package, it may take a while to sink in. There is so much there.
Also available on kindle
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Another best seller by Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Amazon Price: $7.91 (as of 02/14/2012)
Sooner or later, it begins to sink in that Nhat Hanh is conveying a depth of psychology and a world outlook that require nothing less than a complete paradigm shift.
Also available on kindle
