Below are a list of some of the books that we’d recommend. It is important to read as it keeps you focused on and contemplating life, which is turn cultivates wisdom. This can help us stay on the path of practice, especially when we are going through periods of uncertainty or periods that are challenging. It is more important though to find a balance between reading and your meditative practice. Too much reading can become a hindrance as we get caught in excessive thought as opposed to insight through direct experience.
Book List
Several of these books are free and available on the web. They are free because the Buddhist Thai Forest Tradition does not believe in making money from the Dhamma (teachings) so they produce their books and then give them away for nothing. Just because these are free don’t under estimate the power of the authors or their messages. Highly recommended.
Forest Dhamma Books
Lots of amazing free books here to read.
Mindfulness in Plain English - Bhante Henepola Gunaratana (or PDF format)
An all-time classic primer on the foundations of meditation spoken plainly and simply. A must read for any beginner to meditation. You can also buy this as a paperback book online.
Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness - Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Another great book by the same author. A good beginner’s guide to understanding Buddhism.
The Basic Method of Meditation – Ajahn Brahmavamso (free)
A great 20 minute primer to the foundations of meditation. A must read for any beginner to meditation.
This continues of from the above book. A very clear description of the higher more sublime, refined states of meditation.
Buddhism for Busy People - David Minchie
A good beginner’s guide to understanding Buddhism.
Food for the Heart – Ajahn Chah (free)
Very powerful stuff. This book changed me.
Things As They Are - Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa Ñanasampanno (free)
Another very powerful read! A lot of deep insights and refinements to the practice here for the medium to advanced meditator.
I must have read this book 6-7 times. Very simple, very practical and profound.
The Compass of Zen – Zen Master Seung Sahn
Another book I must have read 6-7 times. The compass will always point you in the right direction. A book to set your mind straight and to set you straight on the path. While it is Zen focused in the way it is presented it is 100% truth.
Zen and the Psychology of Transformation: The Supreme Doctrine – Hubert Benoit
A french book translated in English, it can make for dense reading but a very enlightening one.
