[Izzy]

Hello, I am new to practicing Zen Buddhism, I do not know if a thread on this subject has already been made, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any books on this subject that would be helpful on following the path. Any suggestions are welcome though for good reads on Buddhism, doesn't have to be zen only. Thanks in advance.

[encunnibriG]

Hi August,
You are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh is the book that basically made me a Buddhist. I think it's a great introduction. I also highly recommend Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. I know other forum members would recommend this book. I think it's fundamental for a Zen student.

[Aluback]

Hi August,

As a former Zenner I highly recommend "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" by Paul Reps published by The Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc. The Book has Zen stories, koans and has the most finesse of the Ox herding bulls. It is a Zen gem. I still have it at my bedside.

Each Zen story or koan or each of the ten ox herding bulls is open to exploration without interpretations in it, but the ones from yourself; it is a book open to be experienced. They are teachings in the sense that the learning is not given but needed to be elaborated.

[Eromereorybig]

As a non Zen book I recommend also "In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon", edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

Bikkhu Bodhi gives a very general introduction for each chapter. Nonetheless, he brings the Discourses -suttas- to your own discernment not making personal interpretations out from them leaving enough room to elaborate the teachings through understanding, practice and evaluation.

The suttas are arranged thematically which helps to have an structured idea of the intention of each group of suttas and helping us to access to the Pali teachings.

[wheettebott]

Thank you for the replies! I will look into the books mentioned, any other suggestions are still welcome as well.

[DoctorBeny]

The Shobogenzo is the fundamental treatise of Zen school. It is an important reading to understand zazen. Highly recommendable the Genjo Koan, Bendowa and Uji.

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It is also recommendable to go to the source of Zen which can be found at Bodhidharma teachings.

[Alupleintilla]

I forget this one:

"Buddhism Plain and Simple" by Steven Hagen. A wonderful exposition of what Buddha taught with that special flavor Zen has. Very recommendable.