Introductory Reading List
This reading list is more introductory than in-depth, though many of the books listed here are classics that can be returned to throughout a lifetime of practice and study.
It aims to cover the major areas of Buddhist teachings and traditions, while remaining accessible and approachable.
For a more comprehensive list, the “Study Guide” at Everyday Zen is highly recommended.
First Books
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki.
A classic collection of talks by the founder of San Francisco Zen Center. Beloved by beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.A Path With Heart by Jack Kornfeld.
Gentle, insightful, and wide-ranging. Kornfeld, a psychologist, is one of the key teachers who introduced Vipassana practice to the West.
Basic Buddhist Teachings
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula.
Covers the basic teachings clearly, emphasizing how Buddhism differs from Christianity. Often recommended as a first book.Entering the Stream by Samuel Bercholz & Sherab Chödzin Kohn.
A collection of translations and commentaries from various traditions, serving as both primer and reference.Taking the Path of Zen and The Mind of Clover by Robert Aitken.
Introductory works from a major Western Zen teacher. The Mind of Clover is especially important for studying Buddhist ethics and the precepts.
Dogen Zenji
Dogen Zenji is central to Zen understanding, and his teachings are foundational to the Suzuki Roshi lineage.
Moon In a Dewdrop, ed. Kazuaki Tanahashi.
Twenty essays from Dogen’s Shobogenzo, with additional works and poems.Enlightenment Unfolds, ed. Kazuaki Tanahashi.
A follow-up volume with further selections from Dogen’s writings, including more essays from the Shobogenzo.
Buddhist Ethics and the Precepts
The Mind of Clover by Robert Aitken.
Essential reading on the precepts and Buddhist ethics, emphasizing compassion and engaged Buddhism.Waking Up to What You Do by Diane Rizzetto.
A contemporary, accessible presentation of the precepts by a dharma heir of Charlotte Joko Beck.
Contemporary Western Teachers
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa.
Incisive teachings from an influential Tibetan master.Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck.
Zen basics for Westerners; psychologically astute and direct.When Things Fall Apart & The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chödrön.
Encouraging, practical teachings on working with emotions and everyday life.Hardcore Zen by Brad Warner.
A blunt, modern take on Zen—irreverent and humorous.Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana.
A clear and thorough meditation manual in the Vipassana tradition.The Issue at Hand by Gil Fronsdal.
Accessible teachings on mindfulness practice, blending Zen and Vipassana lineages.Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das.
Popular presentation of Tibetan Buddhist teachings by a Western teacher.
Koans
Bring Me The Rhinoceros by John Tarrant.
Poetic and witty; shows how life itself is a koan to be lived with joy.The Blue Cliff Record, tr. Thomas & J.C. Cleary.
A classic 12th-century koan collection, profound and subtle.
Also recommended: The Book of Equanimity.
Sutras and Classics
These foundational texts include the words of the Buddha and later developments of his teachings.
In the Buddha’s Words, tr. Glenn Walls.
Accessible translations of key discourses.Buddhist Wisdom Books, tr. Edward Conze.
Commentary and translation of the Diamond Sutra and Heart Sutra.Heart Sutra & Diamond Sutra, tr. Red Pine.
Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutta).
Various translations available.
Classic Buddhist Poems
Dhammapada, tr. Gil Fronsdal.
Verse-form teachings traditionally ascribed to the Buddha.A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Santideva.
An 8th-century Indian classic in verse form; many translations available.
