Beginning Buddhist Booklist

by Sally Ember, EdD
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7 books
There are many books about Buddhism and for Buddhists already practicing, but this book list is for seekers, curious people, and those just starting out with Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness and similar pursuits. I have included books by esteemed Buddhist teachers as well as lay practitioners who are describing their more Western experiences.
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Peace Is Every Breath

A Practice For Our Busy Lives
Thich Nhat Hanh, 2012
This was one of the first Buddhist books I read. It has many short, easy-to-understand essays (taken from short talks this teacher gave live) with tips, ideas on what to do while doing ordinary things that bring us to mindfulness, and beginning meditation types of experiences to try. Very accessible. The late Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh was (died in 2022) a Vietnamese monk who wrote and taught for decades, started the Plum Village meditation community in France, worked with Peace & Reconciliation between Western soldiers and Vietnamese people and in many other projects, including leading large groups in silent, walking meditations for peace.

When Things Fall Apart

Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Pema Chödrön, 2005
The Venerable Pema Chödron was originally a married Westerner who found Buddhism, became a practitioner, then a teacher, then a nun and eventually the Abbess of her own center in Nova Scotia, Canada. Her essays (also taken from live talks) are gems. Each of her books (and many audio and video tapes) is worthwhile, and many are good for beginners. I often recommend people start with this one because she did. Her stories/essays are personal, illuminating and helpful for people wanting to start meditating but not sure why or how to begin.

Change of Heart

The Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku
Lama Shenpen Drolma, 2022
I know the people who wrote and worked on this book (and I did some transcribing and editing for it myself). Two of them are my main teachers. The Bodhisatrva Peace Training was one of the first Buddhist teaching seminars I attended (in 1989), led by His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (who died in 2002), originally from Tibet and a contemporary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who both escaped to India when the Chinese invaded Tibet, and his Western woman translator at the time, now a Lama (Buddhist teacher),Tsering Everest. I recommend this book for those who want to become involved in “engaged” Buddhism, meaning, utilizing the spiritual path and meditation in order to work for social justice and on global / local issues mindfully.

Buddhism for Beginners

Thubten Chodron, 2001
The Venerable Thupten Chödron is a Tibetan Buddhist nunwho grew up in the system of Buddhist monastics. However, her English and Western understandings are wonderful, so this book is accessible and easy to understand for Westerners while maintaining an authentically Tibetan perspective on Buddhism.

Being Nobody, Going Nowhere

Meditations on the Buddhist Path
Khema, 2005
The Venerable Ayya Khema (died in 1997) was a Western woman who became a Buddhist nun later in her life. She was a German Buddhist teacher noted for providing opportunities for women to practice Buddhism. She has written many books exploring her meditations, with personal and ongoing experiences that inspire, amuse and touch her readers.

Radical Acceptance

Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Tara Brach, 2004
For those who want to combine psychological and spiritual growth, Tara Brach's books are great for both beginners and experienced Buddhists and therapy utilizers/therapists. Informative and with practical exercises, this is a great book to keep on hand.

Chop Wood, Carry Water

A Guide to Finding Spiritual Fulfillment in Everyday Life
Rick Fields, 1984
The late Rick Fields (died in 1999) was the author of several books, including this one and The Code of the Warrior. He also served as the editor of several well-known Buddhist magazines before his untimely death. Rick's writing is easy to understand, funny, warm, and informative. Great book for those who don't much like to read but want ideas about how to take Buddhism into action in daily life.