Four Books That Drew Me To Buddhism

[@tushargaikwad7597]

I born buddhist in india...never read any books on buddha but what my parents taught me help me to understand buddha...they told me buddha said everything has a reason...that help me to become logical human being...at present i started reading to read books...i wish people start reading and following buddha teaching...it will make world peaceful ..u r doing great job 👍

[@DougsDharma]

Thank you Tushar, glad to hear! 🙏

[@ricardofranciszayas]

I got so much information from the Internet. I discovered the Dharma at the age of 57. I’m 67 now. I formally took the Refuges and precepts at 59. Whew!!! I’m old. I read so much on the web. I learned about the Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path. Dependent Origination, etc, primarily from the Web. And so I dove right into studying the Majjhima Nikaya, and Satipathanna Sutta. However the books which I read during that time were “What the Buddha Really Taught” by Walpola Rahula”, “ “The Life of The Buddha” by Nañamoli Bhikkhu “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante G, “ “Buddhsim beyond Belief” by Stephen Batchelor , “The Buddha” by Karen Armstrong, “Secular Buddhism” by Stephen Batchelor “After Buddhism” by Stephen Batchelor “The Buddha before Buddhism” by Gil Fronsdal And lots of the Secular Buddhist Association podcast Etc.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for that list Ricardo Francis. Yes, there is an amazing amount of information now on the web, we hardly need to read physical books anymore it seems!

[@ricardofranciszayas]

Hi Doug, All of those books are available as audiobooks. I learn through listening. It stays with me more organically. There are a relatively few Suttas on Audiobook, certainly not as many compared to the numerous recordings of the Dhammapada. “In the Buddha’s Words” compiled, translated and edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi is a substantial work. It is available on Audiobook. And I’m glad it is. There is a lot of density in Bhikkhu Bodhi’s commentary on each of the Suttas contained in the book. I don’t think I could have gotten through the book if I had to read it. Nonetheless, I think it’s a “must have” book. It’s brilliant.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes "In the Buddha's Words" is a wonderful book as well, I mentioned it in several earlier videos of mine. Thanks!

[@SudipBhattacharyya]

Thank you. Regards

[@mrkyawkyaw3894]

Great.

[@wordscapes5690]

I am 53 and just started on the path this year. For me it was listening to the lectures of Thich Nhat Hanh and Ajahn Brahm. However, since I have been very much harmed by Christianity, it is your secular Buddhism that attracts me most. The overly religious ceremonies of ANY religion make me very... uncomfortable. I hope this will change in time. I am lucky enough to live in the Far East, so I am surrounded by Buddhism and temples (got three just down the road). Have not ventured to ask for assistance as yet, but I am building the courage. I have started reading Dhammapada. Yesterday, I bought a little meditation Buddha, as I have been meditating every day for about a month now. I thought it was time to welcome the Buddha into my home. I will have it blessed soon. Thank you for your wonderful videos. They are an endless source of inspiration and encouragement. It feels so refreshing to be starting something so very new... so very late in life. Thank you.

[@DougsDharma]

Wonderful to hear, thanks so much for your comment! 🙏😊

[@victoriadiamond70]

I have read quiet a few books but “What The Buddha Taught” by Walpole Rahula was the one that helped me get a full understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's a good book Victoria, thanks!

[@itsame1277]

I would also add that I too found “What The Buddha Taught” by Walpole Rahula to be very helpful. His expansive knowledge of Buddhist literature means that his distillation of the texts makes the essence available to us laymen.

[@herbalmaharaj8790]

The Dhammapada is the most important scripture I’ve ever read.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it's a wonderful book!

[@rakshithsridharan5078]

@@DougsDharma I found the Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma as that which turned me to Buddhism.

[@Dacademeca]

Dude it was the BEST buddhist book I've ever read so far...

[@TheGLD]

You should read the bible!

[@Dacademeca]

@@TheGLD bible is ok but the dhammapada has alot of practical things bible is just alot of stories or gumbo jumbo.

[@patrickdrazen8411]

"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" first appeared in 1961; when I found it in 1968, I was in high school. The content is mostly Mahayana and Zen Buddhism, but it also contained an excerpt from the Dhammapada which stated that misery comes to both the winners and losers in war, and that he who transcends victory and defeat finds happiness--which nobody else was saying during the Vietnam War. Quite a revelation...

[@DougsDharma]

Ah I hadn’t realized that, thanks Patrick!

[@littleeinsteinsarimkhan6545]

I am muslim but i read budasim book

[@DougsDharma]

That's nice to hear! I hope you enjoy.

[@soundhealingbygene]

The Tibetan book of the dead is what got me into Buddhism when I was 27. I was living in phoenix and found a sangha and one of the members had recommended that I learn about the four noble truths as well as the eightfold path. After that I was hooked and I soon bought a book about emptiness, a book about the middle way, as well as a book about no self. Now at age 37 I feel as though I am more mindful about my words and my actions and those who I feel like sharing my life with. I also really enjoy the work of thich nhat hanh. Thank you for sharing these books, my friend also recommended mastering the core teachings of the Buddha.

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure!

[@SamyagAjivaAjiva]

What Sangha did you go to?

[@seanlefevre1130]

I grew up with oldschool Franco American (Quebecois) conservative Catholicism. I decided that before I fully committed to believing in what I was born into I would look into other beliefs and philosophies, so I read the Qran, Mahabharata/Gita, etc. When it came to Buddhism there were soooooooo many books by westerns, like 'Here is my opinion on Buddhism', but I wanted to read the more ancient and original texts to decided for myself. Being raised in such an inductive, built up, authoritarian, dogmatic religion, I was always looking for the absolute rules, dogma, creed, or catechism of Buddhism, and just felt confused. I read the dhammapada which was nice but I didn't feel clear about what Buddhism was still. Luckily I found Bikkhu Bodhi's book, 'In the Buddha's Words', an anthology of the Theravada Pali Tipitaka. It was the kind of Buddhist text 'close to the core origination' that I had been searching for, and it radically transformed my life. Now, 16 years later... I still don't really feel clear on what 'Buddhism is' lol, other than an adjective, a description of schools of thought, a deductive tradition of reasoning and inner exploration. I would say ultimately our 'crown jewel' of values in Buddhism, the one thing we might hold as 'dogma' perhaps, is dharma, or Truth, and central to that is compassionate-kindness. Thanks for the videos Dough, great work!

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure Sean, thanks for the comment!

[@wiputjat]

I was born into Buddhism (Thai Therawada) but most my early teachings I encountered were pretty much misleading and interpreted in favor of parents to control their children. Most converted Buddhists are more knowledgeable than born Buddhists in terms of Buddhist ideology as they really learned the idea and appreciated it and see the importance of practicing Buddhism beyond just blindly following their ancestors.

[@cnewt4133]

I agree with you completely. When we are born into something we just end up going through the motions. I think its really important for people to look into different practices and find what speaks to them. It creates a more meaningful spiritual experience.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for your thoughts Wiput J and C Newt. 🙏

[@djmuscovy7525]

Same shit happened to Chinese Buddhism in terms of parents controlling children.

[@semlhagyatsovlogs]

True, Dr Ambedkar was one of them. Who Brought Buddhism back to India

[@djmuscovy7525]

@@semlhagyatsovlogs What scripture is used in Dr. Ambedkar's organization? Pali Canon? In its original Pali language version or its English translation?

[@wiser.kinder.calmer.6530]

Thich Nhat Hanhs “Heart of Awakening” is really very beautifully written commentaries of several of the core Buddhist Sutra's

[@lifegoeson494]

I was officially turned to Buddha Dhamma, when I was about 15 years old and read Dhammacakkappavattana sutta translation for the first time. That time, I remember when I read it, my mind was blowed and amazed, and then I got a little bit in my eyes... After reading it, I knew I can't ignore the message and I was soon turn to Buddha image and knee down... Proclaiming myself as his follower forever. Before that I was a non-religious boy and coming from a family background with Taoism belief.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting story Life! Thanks, yes the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta is a great work indeed.

[@adelineredford3404]

I remember learning mindfulness practices and learning to meditate around the age of 6. I felt that I was surrounded by beautiful light and felt a great sense of ease practicing. When I mentioned to my mother and my aunt about how wonderful my practice was they were terrified for me, and told me to never again do this as "emptying my mind" would make room for evil to enter my young mind. I was frightened by their words and struggled with what might be the truth (their words or my direct experience) . I heard the dhamma explained for the first time in the fifth grade and immediately knew it was true - but I couldn't reconcile it with my belief in the Christian God and my inherited ideas of theology. I pondered that question in silence for years afterwards. Some years later in my late teens I was in church learning how to disprove other world religions, and so Buddhism was also covered. But through learning the dhamma more closely, even from those who didn't understand dhamma, I understood finally that I resonated deeply with the Buddhist teachings and not the biblical ones. From that moment on I became deeply interested in Buddhism and mindfulness practices in general. I bought any books I could and kept them under my mattress in secret (though I know now my mom found them anyways) one of which was Jack Kornfield's The Awakened Heart. I have since restarted my life overseas and happily embrace secular Buddhism~

[@DougsDharma]

That's very interesting Adeline, I'm glad you were able to practice the right path for you!

[@itsame1277]

The Buddha never wanted aspirants to deny their own religion. If they found the dhamma to be of use then it was yours to follow and to practice.

[@pradeepkumar-xp9pu]

Thank you for this amazing video. I was born in Bihar (Patna). So I feel I m so lucky. I Visited Bodh Temple. And I was also lived in Ladakh In my Childhood Days just because my father was Posted there because he is serving in the Indian Army. there are two lines that are more attractive to Buddhism. Desire is the main cause of sorrow and chooses the middle way path to success. Present I am 29 years old and I want to become a Monk. It's very hard to say to my Parents. It's very hard to understand my feeling to them. I read lots of books about Buddhism and see lots of movies and podcasts.

[@isurudilshan819]

If u find the way to nibbana in this long sansara journey dont forget me.❤️

[@smritipandey3058]

"What the Buddha taught" by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is the most accurate book on Buddhist teaching and philosophy. it's short and encapsulates all aspects of Buddhism in the most raw and concise form.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Smriti, I did an earlier video on Dr. Ambedkar that might interest you if you haven't yet seen it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p52rkKSfmqiaeaM

[@yongjiean9980]

B R Ambedkar wrote the book the Buddha and his Dharma

[@yongjiean9980]

@@DougsDharma Ambedkhar's movement is known as political Buddhism

[@grizzadams2110]

The book for me was a book on Buddhism through the Open University in the UK. It was a comparative religion course where you study the big 6 religions. I was particularly looking forward to the Buddhism unit. When I read about the 4 noble truths and the 8 fold path I felt like a big hand had just lifted off my shoulders at my desk as it seemed so logical and relevant.

[@DougsDharma]

That's great Ian, yes I had a similar feeling with my first university class on Buddhism.

[@anoridinaryhumanbeing70]

I was introduced to Buddhism by books of two authors: >Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnameese Zen Buddhist teacher. I really loved the first day I read his books. They were light, simple, and easy to practice. >Osho, a 20th century Indian mystic. Despite the controversies surrounding -- his wisdom is immense, and I love him as one loves a wise friend. >and the much loved, 'Zen mind, beginner's mind' , by Suzuki roshi. That book is pretty whole in itself-- so is its title. I really loved these authors' works. each one of them. Other few also I read, but they didn't seem that good to me. Thanks for these recommendations. Also, there's Shohaku Okumura roshi,, his works are marvellous. I don't think I'm worthy enough to comment on him. I do absorb his texts/vidoes. They are priceless. He has really a damn solid grasp of the Soto Zen tradition, and has really walked the talk. And, I've observed, there's a difference between reading books on Buddhism and collecting dry-knowledge. Versus,, actually practicing the Dhamma,, living by the Dhamma. Every moment, every breath. Day and night. The latter brings peace and understanding,, and the former, intellectual superority, or 'buddhist ego'. That's , ofcourse, in my insignificant, humble view,, As a chineese master once said,, 'fill your heart with compassion, and your mind will be filled with tranquility'.. I've observed, that's pretty true. with love,, and thanks for the uploads, they help.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for the suggestions and your thoughts! 🙏

[@ludwigvanbeethovn6620]

Teachings of the buddha was a great book, It is ~180 pages and I ripped through it in 3 hours. I highly recommend it

[@DougsDharma]

Great!

[@Adegorr03]

"Buddha in you backpack" by Franz Metcalf was the book that turned me into Buddhism. Such a great read for people my age. I was 16 whenever I borrowed this book from my Highschool's library. I'm now 18, and after a 2 year journey of "discovering my beliefs" I'm back again coming to learn the teachings in Buddhism. I'm not implying my "journey" has ended, but rather that Buddhism always made me feel at peace and comfortable from the beginning. This books are a great way to get back into it. Thanks a lot!

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks Gerardo!

[@itsame1277]

I believe that if you find the texts bring peace into your life then they are kusala (wholesome in their effect)

[@Mari_Oh]

Hi Doug I just had to pop in and say that you're the 1st person who agrees with me that Confessions of a Buddhist Atheist is Stephen Batchelor's best. Everyone was always recommending some other Stephen Batchelor book. Confessions is actually in my top five favorite books of any kind.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's a great book!

[@phineus8397]

Stephen Batchelor now doing ayahuasca and LSD? How does one go from being Zen Tibetan monk to doing these kinds of drugs?

[@WinTheHouseYouLove]

Thanks so much! I’m reading What The Buddha Taught now

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Kyle! That book is a fine place to start.

[@mrkyawkyaw3894]

Great.

[@zvpzvp]

"Opening the Door of Your Heart" by Ajahn Brahmavamso (alternative title: "Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?).

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks A456, yes Ajahn Brahm is a lot of fun. 😄

[@Prometheus2100]

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh was one of the first books I read and helped me and still is helping me in my path. My first would be In the Buddha's Words by Bhikkhu Bodhi. This one was a bit of a hard read for me though lol.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's a bit harder to read, Bhikkhu Bodhi is more of a scholar ...!

[@Prometheus2100]

@@DougsDharma Hello and I hope you are doing well. I have a question regarding a sect in buddhism called Pureland. Have you discussed this before? Is this part of early buddhism or did was it developed much later. Thank you in advance 🙏

[@shawn6669]

My first introduction to Buddhism was reading Roger Zelazny's incredible "Lord of Light" when I was 12 and then later in my teens Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind Beginner's Mind". Then Alan Watts. As youtube goes some of my favorite Dhamma talks are by Robina Courtin, Annie Tenzin Palmo, Joseph Goldstein and Bhanti Vimalaramsi...FWIW.

[@DougsDharma]

Good selections there shawn6669, thanks. Suzuki Roshi's book is also one of my favorites. 🙏

[@garypuckettmuse]

Alan Watts -- So under appreciated because he refused to take on the mantel of academia and squeeze the life out of whatever academia gets it's hands around. Highly recommended and his talks are all over youtube now and he just happens to have one of the best speaking voices of all time and is constantly laughing like a true Zen Master. He's the tiny guy in the landscape picture who is laughing himself sick while a deadly avalanche bears down from the upper corner of the frame. An original. There will be a Stephen Batchelor every twenty years; there will never be another Alan Watts. IMHO>

[@semlhagyatsovlogs]

Do you know About Dr Ambedkar and his role in Buddhism. He wrote a Book name Buddha And His Dhamma and another Buddhism Revolution and Counter revolution. Which tell about destruction of Buddhism. Please Share your views on him. He was very Intelligent but whole India is hard working to erase his name. Sangharakshita wrote on him.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Ambedkar Dhamma, yes BR Ambedkar was a wonderful politician who did a lot of good! The focus of my channel is more on early Buddhism, though I do share a secular outlook with Dr. Ambedkar. 🙏

[@semlhagyatsovlogs]

@@DougsDharma His Followers are in Millions who call themselve as Buddhist as he converted to buddhism but they are not Buddhist in reality they are atheist, Problem is that he died after 2 months of his conversion to Buddhism. All of his life he spent in fighting with casteism. But if you will read his books you will find that he was always a Buddhist but in his last time he just took dhamma Diksha. He converted 4 Lakh people along with him and in other conversion camps so it reached conversion of 10 lakh people. He before conversion also said that don't become Buddhist because i am saying. But his followers became Buddhist so till now their generation call themselve as Buddhist but are atheist. These Buddhist need knowledge about Buddhism. Which is not possible on that large amount as their are more than 1 Crore Buddhists who converted themselves because He did so. If Non India Buddhist will learn about him then no one can stop India to become an enlightened land. Buddhist countries should come to help us. There are some monk like Bhadant Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, and Sangharakshita, Who worked on him and helped to spread Buddhism in India. I think you will think over this.

[@semlhagyatsovlogs]

@@DougsDharma "Though the sufferings of the Jews in Nazi Germany and of the blacks in white supremacist South Africa are well known and widely discussed, the no less horrifying sufferings of the Untouchables at the hands of the Caste Hindus, as well as Ambedkar’s heroic efforts to emancipate his people from their age-old slavery, have remained virtually unknown outside India. Thirty years after his death, the West has yet to see a biography of the great untouchable leader, while there is still no sign of a book-length study of the movement of mass conversion to Buddhism which he inaugurate" Sangharakshita's book Ambedkar and Buddhism

[@kayakjim007]

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying opened the door for me. At the time I did not know Tibetan terms but I sensed that something deep was there.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks kayakjim!

[@CrazyLinguiniLegs]

I remember that one, by Sogyal Rinpoche. That was one of the first books on Buddhism that I read (I think in the mid 90s).

[@abrlim5597]

I gradually come to understand the belief in rebirth, or in any other supernatural phenomenon, is not required to Nibanna.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, nibbāna is all about letting go.

[@thekidd7]

I just discovered this channel and actually secular buddhism itself, ‘If you want to live a kinder, wiser, calmer life...’ That is so powerful and so captivating, so.... here goes!

[@DougsDharma]

Great, glad to hear it kidd!

[@thekidd7]

@@DougsDharma thanks so much!

[@FARiad-tb7ui]

How about Hesse's Siddhartha? I believe it is the result of the author's fascination, and eventual rejection, of Buddhism.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, it's a book I haven't read ...

[@ashokbramhane5064]

You are very hard worker 🙏🙏🙏 thank you for spreading love means Buddhism ❤️🙏

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Ashok, glad to help! 🙂🙏

[@PirateRadioPodcasts]

DHARMA BUMS, Christmas Humphreys via Van Morrison's "Cleaning Windows."

[@lynns7262]

Trying to understand suffering brought me to Buddhism. I understand it now… but I still have days where I think it f’ing sucks. Namaste

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, I agree. But the practice can help. 🙏

[@joshuakilroy7599]

I just started reading Stephen Batchelor and it is an outstanding working through of some of the most challenging issues in keeping Buddhism relevant for our times.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's right Joshua, this is one of his important tasks.

[@timgray950]

Zen and the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel.

[@DougsDharma]

Ah yes I've heard that's a good one too. Thanks Tim!

[@ВикторТодоров-л8ы]

I am not really interested in the religious aspect of Buddhism (not that I have anything against it) but I'm looking more for it's philosophical aspect and it's teachings. Having grown up in a Balkan country, I haven't really had any contact with the Religion and I'm fascinated with what I can learn from it and how it can help me grow as a person. I hope that I'll find what I'm looking for in atleast one of these books

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, the religious aspects interest me somewhat less as well. But many of those can also be understood philosophically and practically. After all, Buddhism is a very practical teaching.

[@richardjohnson6331]

The four books that turned me on to Buddhism are as follows: 1) The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Sumedho. 2) Being Dharma by Ajahn Chah. 3) Secular Buddhism by Stephen Batchelor and 4) The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony translated by Bhikku Bodhi. I got a range of perspectives from them, and there is a tremendous amount of value in them - they are all fairly recent and scholarly too. I have read a lot of others but these four keep coming back to me.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that’s a wide range Richard, thanks! 🙏

[@jerebear39]

What brought met to look into eastern philosophy and learn about Buddhism was Star Wars.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting Jeremiah! Yes, George Lucas's vision had a lot of elements from Japan and elsewhere in Asia.

[@JosueGarcia77]

Was into martial arts as a teenager. Picked up a book called “zen in martial arts”. Started reading more about zen and learned its association to Buddhism.

[@DougsDharma]

Ah yes I think a lot of people come to Zen through martial arts. Thanks Josue!

[@garypuckettmuse]

just reminded me of zen and the art of archery! a great one from my youth.

[@paulmeers4974]

Thanks Doug, for all your videos. My book was *Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism" by Chögyam Trungpa. I had been deeply involved with a Vedanta/Shaivite/Tantric/Guru-centric group, and had great experiences. But it ended up not sustaining me. Trungpa Rinpoche addressed that very thing, but also provided a good initial introduction to Buddhism, from Hinayana (to him, basic practices, not a denigration of early Buddhism per se...), to his Mahayana core, and an intro to tantra. It led me lots of interesting and fruitful places.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, Paul. Yes I liked his essay on spiritual materialism and actually did a video on the topic quite awhile back now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYSrfKZ8d96ng5I

[@stevenbelzer9768]

Doug have you read “the handbook of Buddhism “ by John Snelling , excellent historical context snelling was secretary of the British Buddhist Society and editor of its journal The MiddleWay . For spiritual development you might consider medically supervised ketamine IV this creates a dissolutive experience , where the SELF disappears , there is no future , no past on,y “the present moment “ which many yoga schools and Buddhist suggest meditation as a path going achieve awakening. I use it as adjunctive to my daily practice

[@angelo8424]

What The Buddha Taught, was my first- In 1985- And I just ordered another one on ebay for 99 cents, with free shipping. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is another of my favorites.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks!

[@Amar_monk]

Just recently read Confessions of Buddhist Atheist. I would like to quote from that book: Buddhism is like a living organism. If it is to flourish outside self-enclosed ghettos of believers, it will have to meet the challenge of understanding, interacting with, and adapting to an environment that is strikingly different from those in which it has evolved.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes like all things, Buddhism will change as the culture in which it appears changes.

[@red.falcon9717]

I myself don’t subscribe to Buddhism, but as a student of philosophy I’ve found it to be among the most fascinating areas of thought I’ve encountered.

[@DougsDharma]

Ah yes it is also fascinating as philosophy Red.Falcon97, though the more elaborate philosophical stuff mostly comes later, with the abhidhamma and beyond. The early material, while philosophical as well, is more directly practice-oriented.

[@shawn6669]

Yeah, there's good crossover application in Shopenhauer, Heidegger and Wittgenstein....

[@mikereiss4216]

What exactly don't you like about it? Do you find it too ritualistic or restrictive? Those would be my issues personally but I find there is a lot I can learn from it even if I don't practice it or consider myself to Buddhist in the strictest sense. I have gone to several Buddhist meditations and always find them to be very enlightening.

[@buckleycloud3962]

Yes, it's an impressive edifice, isn't it?

[@Shortm0vie]

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac and a biography of his friend, the poet Allen Ginsberg, actually got me interested in Buddhism initially. But I only came back to it a few years later, after watching the movie The Big Lebowski… I heard the attitude in it was similar to Buddhist teachings.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks Scott!

[@shantanushekharsjunerft9783]

Doug this belief that rebirth was introduced in commentaries is not correct. The rebirth idea predates Buddha. Moreover there are specific sutras in the Pali Canon where Buddha himself talks about it. Please see Stephen Batchelor’s debate with Ajahn Brahmali. I would also encourage you to meditate more. To see the reality as it is you cannot just rely on induction and deduction. You have to combine it with experiential reality. This only happens during meditation. I would encourage you to explore Metta meditation and Brahmaviharas. As far as reading recommendations I would suggest “concepts and reality” by Nanananda. I would also recommend Bhikkhu Analayo.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Shantanu, I am already familiar with all of this, and certainly never said that rebirth was introduced in the commentaries! 🙂

[@andrewfainges4303]

For me it was “The Heart of The Buddha’s Teaching” by Thich Nhat Hanh. As I kept reading it resonated very strongly.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@sidmarx7276]

My two most inspiring books were the Dhammapada and the Bhagavad Gita, both of which exhort the reader to meditate with visible urgency. "The man who meditates not will come to envy the man who does." (B.G.) See the Gita translation by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, with a brilliant preface by Aldous Huxley and an appendix explaining the Hindu cosmology.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@nayanmalig]

Alan Watts turned me into a Buddhist from atheist. He lit the fire and you are also a great source of wisdom. BTW my parents were Buddhist, did rituals etc but were never deep onto Buddhism.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks nayanmalig! 🙏

[@nayanmalig]

@@DougsDharma You are welcome

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Congratulations on your journey...🚶

[@felicityscarth3153]

I knew nothing as a teenager, of philosophies of the east. But by a complete fluke I heard of yoga. Then a chance to use a branch library near my new home, aged 16, I found a section on Indian/oriental philosophies. I borrowed an armful of books by one Lobsang Rampa. Later somewhat discredited.....they nevertheless set fire to my interest in the east and it’s various philosophies. I went on to study Indian philosophy under Karel Werner at Durham University, UK. Still none the wiser.....but alive and seeking!

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it Felicity, keep looking! It may seem that wisdom hasn't arisen, but I bet it has, even just a little can make a difference.

[@patrickkeyes5916]

Graet choices: my four were “The Way of Zen” by Alan Watts. Conversations tell me that this was a first book for a lot of us. “The Wheel of Life” by John Blofeld was fascinating and fun. “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones” funny, wise, memorable and smart. “Zen and the Art of Archery” was also a key early book for me. It put a lot that I wondered about into concrete terms. I’d like to strongly recommendRichard Gombach’s “What the Buddha Thought.” Grombach does a convincing job of looking at Buddha’s teaching within the culture and history of his time, especially in relation and as a response to the Upanishads. “The Platform Sutra” has been important to me in the years I’ve continued to study Buddhism, but it may not be the best first book to read (unless your instincts are very well-tuned).:Finding a good treatment of Nagarjuna is crucially important if you’re willing to look at the development of Buddhist thought, post the actual, historical teaching of Buddha. But the expression of his thought is difficult to follow for a modern English language reader. I found Peter Harvey’s treatment of it in his excellent “An Introduction to Buddhism” a good first glimpse. Mark Siderts’ “Buddhism as Philosophy” is also excellent. If those books have made you want to dive deeper, look to Jay L. Garfield’s translation and commentary “The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way,” and “Empty Words.” Finally, I think Robert Wright did a great job presenting and thi king through Buddhism in his unfortunately titled book “Why Buddhism is True.”

[@DougsDharma]

Good list, thanks! 🙏

[@Johnoines]

If first became interested in Buddhism when i read "Religions of the World" by Huston Smith in around 1980. I liked Buddhism Without Beliefs by Batchelor also. I've listened to many of Stephan Batchelor's lectures on Dharma Seed.

[@DougsDharma]

Great, thanks!

[@wordscapes5690]

In the Buddha’s Words, by Bikkhu Bodhi. Wonderful translation. Clear. Succinct. Authentic. Pure.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, Bhante Bodhi is a great teacher.

[@Atomic419]

The book that got me into Buddhism is the book that is my life. I don’t want to continue to suffer as I have, and Buddhism is a path that leads to the end of suffering 🙏

[@DougsDharma]

Good point, Atomic.Thanks!

[@CrazyLinguiniLegs]

Some of my earliest readings in Buddhism: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind (Shunryu Suzuki) Zen Flesh, Zen Bones A Buddhist Bible (ed. Dwight Goddard) Minding Mind (trans. Thomas Cleary) The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying (Sogyal Rinpoche) Awakening the Buddha Within (Surya Das) The Practice of Zen Meditation (Hugo Enomiya-Lassalle) The Way of Zen (Alan Watts) The Three Pillars of Zen (Philip Kapleau)

[@DougsDharma]

Great, thanks!

[@msdealwis6278]

Four books that I would recommend to anyone venturing into Buddhism (to be read in the following order): (1) Mind Unshaken - John Walters (2) Why Buddhism is True - Robert Wright (3) What the Buddha Taught - Walpola Rahula (4) The Heart of Buddhist Meditation - Bikkhu Nyanaponika

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks!

[@Rhobyn]

The first books I read were collections of Takuan Soho, while I was practicing martial arts. Later my interest regrew when I started researching meditation as a psych major (Kabat Zinn, Goldstein and Gethin). From there I got back into Zen through Brad Warner, who demonstrated to me that even a serious practicioner can be "different". Perhaps THE most important book for me was "Zen Training" by Katsuki Sekida. It pushed me over the edge to actually practice seriously and it is a book I always come back to. Probably the most down to earth book on Zen I know. Recently I have been studying the early texts more, while also comparing it to Chan/Zen (Shobogenzo in particular). A bridge that seems both short and long to build.

[@doyle6000]

Also ordered 'Confession of a Buddhist Atheist'!!

[@DougsDharma]

Great, hope you enjoy!

[@laurameszaros9547]

For me, Matthieu Ricard, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo and His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche were the main influencers that drew me to Buddhism.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@MassiveLib]

Transmission of Mind by John Blofeld. Postumious pieces by Wei Wu Wei. Enlightenment is not what you think by Wayne Liqourman. Heart Sutra by Red Pine.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for the info!

[@sharonbenjamin3054]

"The Little Buddha" introduced me to Buddhism. I sort of lean to the Golden Mean . . . focus on this life and subsequent lives. Of course I could argue if you take care of This Life, you automatically take care of Subsequent Lives.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's how I see it too. Thanks Sharon!

[@MK2030KG]

Another great post. Thank you. I like the early buddhism as well. Alot of intellectual and thereotically learning and reading. However, we also need to apply buddhism into the present time and engaging with society. I wonder how many individuals will have the patience and time to really read or study and yet apply what they learn into their daily practice. The current conditions of dharma degenerating and increasingly three poisons, I'm not sure if early buddhism alone is enough to support the society. Just want to share my two cents. I hope it's okay. Thank you!!

[@DougsDharma]

No problem Michael, no one approach is going to be right for everybody, all we can do is walk our own path and hope it's beneficial for society. 🙏

[@dhrubanidas8064]

i think there is no boundary to gain knowledge . thats why came to here to know spiritual things. Blessed to know about these books . THANK U SIR❤

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Dhrubani! 🙏

[@BassGuyRy]

The books that totally turned me on were Buddhism plain and simple, Buddhism its not what you think & Meditation its now or never - All by Steve Hagen... It was like a light going on inside me.

[@DougsDharma]

Nice, thanks!

[@Chef1719lf]

Believe it or not The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle got me started in my journey. Its Buddhism, without the label. Does anyone agree? I am very interested in replies. Thank you so much!

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it's a book I was given a copy of awhile back, I haven't read it in detail but I know a lot of people do like his approach, which is very influenced by Buddhist ideas.

[@timetoreason181]

Eckart Tolle's writings are *NOT* original but a mixture of all forms of Buddhism and other east Asian wisdoms. I do not think it is Buddhism without a label as much as Eckart Tolle *IS* a label itself. I have read one of his earlier writings years ago but lost interest since finding Buddha Dhamma, [in various forms] along with Taoism and to a little extent Confucianism. Oh I missed Stoicism!!! Edit: It was the Dhammapada that got me into Buddha Dhamma, it is a unique book in itself and nowhere near Eckart Tolle. I have few translations and one on my bedside table, I still read it when I need comfort or some motivation.

[@Chef1719lf]

@@timetoreason181 You are correct! I agree with all of what you said! Thank you for sharing your insights and views!

[@timetoreason181]

@@Chef1719lf May you be happy and safe may all sentient beings be happy and safe. Read Dhammapada Ch:1O even though this is not directly related to the fear and fear of death due to this current pandemic I refer to this before going to bed most of the days finding solace within me and for others, seen, known or unseen and unknown. Only in Buddha Dhamma! Metta

[@Chef1719lf]

@@timetoreason181 Thank you! To you as well. Thank you for your guidance and help. Will do!🙏🏿

[@tanmaymanwar6333]

Hi sir, I am now reading heart of buddha teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is my first book on Buddhism.Please tell me What do you recommend me to read next ? I am currently preparing for JEE exam and I love reading self-help book and I am also getting a lot of interest in buddhist philosophy (Sorry for bad English grammar)

[@DougsDharma]

Check out my playlist on books for some other suggestions: kzbin.info/aero/PL0akoU_OszRjBKHxKj98qtSmcLpBmDWkL

[@thomasburnham2646]

Thanks for sharing Doug. KZbin videos-namely yours, Koi’s Corner, and Enthusiastic Buddhist-sparked my interest!

[@DougsDharma]

Cool, glad to hear it Thomas! 😀

[@jayrpyne7067]

Some of my choices also.

[@RobBattis]

Zen mind beginners mind. The three pillars of Zen. Zen flesh zen bones. Cutting through spiritual materialism. To name a few.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@howardleekilby7390]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ THE ESSENCE OF BUDDHISM by John Walter’s. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks!

[@SukmaHema]

Beautiful journey to enlarge 👍🙏🏻

[@DougsDharma]

Yes! 😄

[@noizee05]

In my case, it were several documentaries I think since I was little but what really got me into Buddhism were my uncles who started teaching me with their Nichiren Shoshu magazines and then I started searching by myself and a friend recommended "Buddha" a book by Karen Armstrong and "The Buddha in Your Mirror", although isn't easy to get books on Buddhism in Spanish ._.U

[@DougsDharma]

Ah yes it can be difficult in Spanish though I've been seeing more and more translations out of English recently. Thanks Karla. 🙏

[@electroix]

Old Path, White Clouds by Thich Nath Hanh is a precious book which inspire me to practice.

[@DougsDharma]

Ah yes Thich Nhat Hanh is wonderful.

[@anandmurumkar5190]

Fortunately I born in Navyana Buddhist Family. We are because Ambedkar Was.

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@KingCocaGold]

“What the BUDDHA TAUGHT” is THE BEST Introduction to BUDDHISM!

[@DougsDharma]

It's a very good book.

[@Buddhism4Happiness]

Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha anybody? Yeah not exactly about the Buddha, but produced interest.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes I've been recommended that, but haven't read it yet. I've heard it's good. 🙂

[@jupitermadcat]

@@DougsDharma That was read by a lot of high schoolers when i was growing up.

[@pareshmacwan9468]

Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha is more about Adwaita Vedanta than on Buddha or Buddhism. I have read that.

[@sankubanku1633]

"What the Buddha Taught" my neighbour gave it to me to read, what an absolute gem of a book!

[@DougsDharma]

Yes I agree it's a great book to start with!

[@cesarabrahamcastanedavalen3788]

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is quite interesting, Alejandro Jodorowsky's Fábulas panicas and the Philosophy of jokes are quite orientalist but they are usually is a kind of teenagers literature. Anyway, I liked them a lot when l was young.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks César Abraham. Yes I was recommended to read Siddhartha when I was younger as well, though I never took them up on it. 😄

[@sesserdrix8007]

This is by no means an inherently Buddhist book, but something that got me more interested into learning about Buddhist philosophy was reading David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas. It is a book that couches six stories within one another like a Russian nesting doll. Each chapter ends preemptively and begins a new story with a character who is in some way majorly shaped by the actions of the story prior. While the story suggests that these people are all the same, a soul in transit, I was more interested in the way it showed interdependence and conditioned arising. While reading more about that, Buddhism invariably popped up, which lead me to Rahula's book and then ultimately to Batchelor.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting Sesserdrix! It's neat how fiction can sometimes bring us back around to important things in our lives. 🙂

[@corsaircaruso471]

A friend of mine gave me the book “Being Nobody, Going Nowhere,” by Ayya Khema. This gave me my first foundation for meditation practice. Years later I re-read it and then purchased “The Foundations of Buddhism,” by Rupert Gethin.

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks Corsair!

[@tiagocarioca]

It is funny, but it was not a book who made me a Buddhist. It was history and curiosity. I always liked East Asia and Asian History. I have been searching for Asian movies and series in internet for years. So, in 2008 I watched a Thai movie called "The love of Siam". It is not a movie about Buddhism, but I just fell in love with Thailand. It made me more interested in Theravada Buddhism. After reading about it, I discovered that Early Buddhism was much more interesting than I supposed. I think Pali Canon is much more interesting than later Mahayana texts which I consider too much metaphysical. So, that is why I am Buddhist.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes I was also always very interested in Asia and Asian history, and that fed into my interest in Buddhism as well. Thanks Tiago! 🙏

[@Heppellos]

'Survey of Buddhism' Sangharakshita- I read it once a year...

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks! 🙏

[@canonviewer]

The books that turned me onto Buddhism were originally “Buddhism: Tools for living your life” by Vajragupta, and “Buddhism for Dummies” (I’m not the most academically achieved person out there and mean no offence at all). But after a lull of being agnostic, what brought me back were “Why Buddhism is True” by Robert Wright, and I’m currently reading, and enjoying “The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying” by Sogyal Rinpoche

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for that, canonviewer!

[@cgeorgefett]

Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying really sparked my interest back in 1997 or 98. Great book- I really loved the first half about living and then I got bogged down in the second half about death, I’ve gone back and reread the second part later in life and it resonates completely now. Funny. Also, I don’t think that the Snow Leopard gets enough credit as a Buddhist book- probably because technically it’s not I suppose. However, Peter’s descriptions of Buddhism and especially of Om Mani Padme Hung are just awesome and so well written. And his musings on death from a Buddhist perspective are also really great (he dives pretty deep since he was dealing with the inevitable death of his wife from cancer). I don’t know…it’s one of my favorite books and I read it while I was trekking for two months in Nepal and got a great deal from it. Nice work Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

Great, thanks so much! 🙏

[@dennisyap2143]

Just to share my experience as an Asian Buddhist growing up in a multicultural and multireligious society, rather than books, the spark of Buddhism grew inside me from interactions with people I got to meet in the Chinese/Buddhist temples. Observing the devotion from the adherents, their conducts as they maneuver life, then their words and advise helped me to understand the essence of this practice. More importantly, the value of having a good guru to guide you with dharma should never be underestimated. I have had the good fortune of meeting a bhikkuni who accepted me as a student and and helped me to understand the finer, more subtle points of the dharma.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for that Dennis. Yes, having a good spiritual friend, teacher, or guru can be a real help. The dharma is at times difficult to understand so having wise guidance can make all the difference.

[@shubhamtayde2826]

buddha and his dhamma 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 Dr. ambedkar

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting Shubham, thanks! 🙏

[@jackedwolflifts]

I have read ! The heart of buddha teaching which book should i read next

[@DougsDharma]

It's hard to say, it really depends on your interests. Take a look at other videos in the playlist I have on books and see what you think you might like: kzbin.info/aero/PL0akoU_OszRjBKHxKj98qtSmcLpBmDWkL

[@lifeisbeautiful2969]

Namo buddhay from India Read Buddha and his dhamma ...by Dr. B R AMBEDKAR one of the best book on Buddhism must read ..

[@DougsDharma]

Yes thanks Swapnil! I have another video on BR Ambedkar and his work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p52rkKSfmqiaeaM

[@navneetnair]

Not something secular Buddhists would read, but for me the book that shook me to the core was 'Words of my Perfect Teacher' - Patrul Rinpoche

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Navneet! 🙏

[@jarredhischemellor6489]

Doug WHAT THE BUDDHA TAUGHT was essential for me. THE DHAMMAPADA and THE ANTHOLOGY OF DISCOURSES made much more sense after reading Rahula's book. Complete renunciation looks mighty tempting, and i have one comment/ question : Theravada seems austere to me, they don't fool around. Very strict... are there any Mahayana communities to speak of in the lower 48 ? Lay residency appeals to me: get up early and work/meditate/dhamma talk all day.... RH, pgh pa

[@DougsDharma]

Yes those are wonderful resources, Jarred. As to communities, there are masses of Mahāyāna ones in the lower 48 of the US. Most Zendos to my knowledge include lay helpers, though how many residents they would have (or how many in Vajrayāna ones) I'm not sure. It would surely depend on the individual temple. Theravāda runs the gamut, there are certainly strict centers, but there are also lay-oriented ones that are more relaxed.

[@wiser.kinder.calmer.6530]

really enjoyed Stephen Bachelor's translations of his Korean Zen Master Kusan Sonim called Koran Zen. Also has a very nice explanation of the 10 Ox Herding Images

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks, Matt!

[@akashsingh-oe2xt]

Namo buddhay jai bhim sir love from Indian buddhist ☸️

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@koftu]

Late to this party, but "Jew in the Lotus" by Rodger Kamenetz.

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks koftu!

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

How is secular Buddhism different from mainstream Buddhism? There's no personal God...☸️

[@DougsDharma]

Well secular Buddhism sets aside questions of rebirth or other supernatural or speculative claims made in some mainstream beliefs. It focuses on this-life practice. So for some traditional believers it is very different, while for others it may not be very different at all.

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

@@DougsDharma Thank you! 🎑

[@oceanzmat]

I took your advice at the beginning of the video to think about the books that turned me on to Buddhism or sparked or reignited my interest at different points along the way, and thought okay, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones would have to be the first...needless to say I had a literal laugh out loud moment when you started your own list with that book. Our lists converged at the end too, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist having served a very similar, pivotal role for me in recent years as I began to approach Buddhism again after having put it to one side for many years. Uncanny really. I have to say I came to your channel very recently during a re-reading of Confession, and so it was heartening to hear about the role it played in your own journey.

[@DougsDharma]

Hey that's very cool to hear oceanzmat! Yes these are really great books, very inspirational. 🙏

[@cjdevries]

I really enjoyed Tulku Thondup's book "Healing Power of Mind". I also liked Thich Nhat Hanh's books "Anger" and "Miracle of Mindfulness". But I would say that I was introduced to Buddhism through "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Suzuki Roshi. I also love Bhante G's books, including "the four foundations of mindfulness in plain english."

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@Shashank230]

To my mind, OSHO kicked the door for me towards Buddhism

[@DougsDharma]

Interesting, thanks for the information!

[@mael-strom9707]

My first contact with Buddhism was a book called, "Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". I was an aircraft technician at the time and it answered my "koan" about values. Many years later my second contact with Buddhism, wasn't actually a book but a packet of self driving Philips head screws. The packet was marked Zen Drive, (probably a brand name), which puzzled me because as an aircraft technician I thought I knew everything about all types of fasteners. Anyway to cut a long story short, these first contacts with Eastern thought led me to investigate Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Taoist principles when a another question (koan) arose soon after ..."I am a conscious biological life form with full awareness of the laws of thermodynamics (eventual heat death of the cosmos)". ...Question ..."What is the point of it all?" ...and don't tell me the answer is 42 ...lol.

[@DougsDharma]

LOL thanks Mael-Strom. I’ve heard good things about that book on motorcycle maintenance, thanks! 🙏

[@mael-strom9707]

@@DougsDharma Om Mani Padme Hum.

[@mrobillard7553]

Thank you! That is a great book that I read and reread from the 70's that has always stayed with me, even more so today! The principles that are laid out in that book are priceless and so very practical.

[@incollectio]

Philosopher Owen Flanagan's Buddhism Naturalized (2011) was the spark for me. Before that, I was only nominally interested in Buddhism for reasons I'm not sure of. I was born in Finland, went to mandatory Evangelic-Lutheran religion classes while being practically a pantheist, later atheist. They did teach of other religions in some of the classes too, I guess, but I don't remember anything about Buddhism catching my attention then. Although, I do remember paying attention to Lisa Simpson being a Buddhist. Later on I had heard of Flanagan's book from Sam Harris, perhaps, and it really outlined the philosophy in terms I found appealing as a very scientifically minded individual. What particularly resonated with me was how practical Buddhism seems to be in contrast to our current age of polarization and outrage.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes I agree incollectio, at its core Buddhism is a very pragmatic, practical approach to life.

[@WJSpies]

Your track through Buddhist thought parallels mine almost exactly - except for diving into academia (comparative ideas, Buddhist schools, etc, and general philosophy) it's remarkably the same. I did a few survey courses, logic, critical thought, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. but i never dove into any depths or into any subset or Buddhist school. After initial reading on any vien I dropped them straightaway seeing mainly boring digressions, and derived interpretations. I went to one class where the professor was an infectiously bad sample of egomania (self aimed narcissism set to academic school-approved standards). I never got passed the first class. I walked out.. not my cup of tea, I was there for more permanent serious matters - to my mind - not personal no judgement made of teacher, other than he was a bloody bore. Sad too! After reading the most basic score of Gautama Buddha's life in Northern India and his original ministry, I invariably came away seeing whatever author/school/practice as falling short somehow, until I encountered zen in my early 30's. Bouncing in and out of it (so much to unpack) I seemingly always came back to it. It soothed a spiritual sore spot, scratched a nagging itch. Movies and TV shows helped foster my mindset on the matter. Whatever Buddha taught and led by example was my own personal journey, my own school. Somehow zen always came into the picture as a kind of, direct from the source, do it yourself methodology - but always carful not to be seduced by powerful personalities. I especially liked books by Stephen Bachelor, Alan Watts, Steve Hagen, Shiunryu Suzuki, Archic J Bahm, music of Leonard Jikan Cohen, and so so many Rinzai zen (koan) stories and general Buddhist folklore. I'm sure I'm leaving out many others, too many perhaps, but that's what shaped my inner world. Alan Watts especially because he openly claimed he wasn't trying to sell anything at all - and when under fire for his womanizing and alcoholic lifestyle, Shiunryu Suzuki - roshi defended him, citing Watts as a living Bodhisattva, outside the moral rails of usual society. That heavily impressed me about Watts; he was immensely spiritually leaned but so down to earth that he didn't care what anyone thought. He marched to his own drum, chimed his own gong, measured himself by his own council (quintessential zen, no?). Amazing man! Even today his recorded lectures often surpass. He in death has become a guru, though many debate it. That's my zen Buddhism story.

[@DougsDharma]

Neat! Yes, many similarities here. Thanks, W. J. 🙏

[@jp_ananke]

Thank you Doug. My very first being drawn in to was a documentary movie about life and practice in the zen monastery antaiji under the abbot muho. Title " Zen for Nothing", directed by Werner Penzel. So I started zazen in 2018 with any reading. In this year 2021 I began to look for readings, actually mostly intriguing was reading the first suttas of gautama. Your videos are very helpful, provided me with significant insights. Best. Jorgos Papastefanou

[@DougsDharma]

Ah, nice to hear, Jorgos. Yes, Zen practice can be quite wonderful.