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Buddhist Bible – Buddhism books for beginners

By Jonathan · Comments (2)

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Last week a reader contacted me on E.y.D with the subject line: Buddhist Bible?

Message: “Just stumbled upon your site, and it is very inspiring. I need something to bring peace to my life. I just hit 50 and realized how miserable I have been for most of my life. Anyway, is there a Buddhist book similar to a Bible? What should I begin with? Again, wonderful site.” Thanks, Katrina

I responded to Katrina and recommended the Dhammapada, which is essentially the words and teachings of The Buddha. I also promised to dig deeper and give a recommended reading list on Buddhism books for beginners.

But before we get to that, I have a confession to make. I am not a Buddhist. I am no Yogi, Zen Master or Guru. The only Nirvana I’ve ever reached was synthetically produced. What I am, is a man trying to find peace and wisdom in this insatiably crazy world of ours. I’m the product of a hardcore Catholic family. My aunts are known to pass out pamphlets at family picnics about the end of the world. (Seriously they do) And when a few of them found my site, they immediate thought I had become a Buddhist. The Truth is, I try to see the beauty in all religions. And the teachings of Zen and enlightenment help me live a better life.

By my own admission, I will always be a Catholic, but that won’t stop me from opening my eyes to the world and seeking joyful wisdom at every turn. My favorite English teacher, Mr. Nabaan, would explain to his students on their first day of class: “There is an infinite amount of knowledge in the world, and if you can grasp even a little speck of it, then you have accomplished something great.” Then he asked: “What knowledge do you want your life to be filled with?” That question has stuck with me for over 15 years now, and for good reason.

Buddhism books for beginners – Buddhist Bible

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh

“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!”

Buy Peace Is Every Step on Amazon

“If we do not have peace and joy right now,
when will we have peace and joy – tomorrow, or after tomorrow? What is preventing us from being happy right now?” Thich Nhat Hanh

zen mind beginners mind book cover 192x300 Buddhist Bible Buddhism books for beginners

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – S. Suzuki / Weatherhill / April 1972

Buy Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind on Amazon

“For Zen students the most important thing is not to be dualistic. Our “original mind” includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. You should not lose your self-sufficient state of mind. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)

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Categories : Wisdom of the Buddha

GOD heals almost everything debate – True or False

By Jonathan · Comments (7)

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing?

“The Church has its problems, but the older I get, the more comfort I find there.” Bono

This post is about you. Yes – You. It’s about what you believe, think and feel about God and his healing powers. Back when I was starting E.Y.D, I received a chain email from a friend listing some Amazing tips for 2008. I enjoyed reading the list and decided to share it. The response was overwhelming. It’s hard to believe that 2 years later that post would still be my most commented. It seemed like everyone needed to express something on that topic.

My comment section exploded with passion, insightful wisdom, and negative views of religion. Honestly, I loved it all.

So I decided to revive that post and ask that controversial question everyone felt the need to give their 2 cents about. Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing? What is your experience with God’s healing? Can you give everyone some specific examples? Can you explain why this was such a controversial issue to some people and why they felt so offended by this tip for a better life.

I have listed below some of the positive and negative comments because I believe there is real value in the answers provided. I hope you will take the time to join the debate and share a little of your inner wisdom or negativity towards this debate. Be creative, sincere, dark, or funny, but be something and say anything. Your words and opinions are always welcomed here at E.y.D

My goal with this post is to get 100 comments. If I am able to reach that goal, I will concede that the majority rules, and the truth about this question shall be revealed.

#27) What other people think of you is none of your business.
#28) GOD heals almost everything.
#29) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

GOD heals almost everything debate – True or False

Jimbo says:

June 24, 2008 at 12:21 pm

“#28 Way to ruin it.”

Joe Bonham says:
“I agree with Jimbo. #28 ruins the truthfulness of this entire post, because according to those who believe in #28, everything in this list is all taken care of in that one sentence………. riiiight……….”

Vitus Wight says:
“With all of these self healing tips #28 stands out like a sore thumb.
god doesn’t exist as a singular thing. We are all omnipotent, we are all powerful and we are all god.
the religious use of it makes you weak of mind and weak of soul. don’t use it as a crutch.
Blame yourself, Love yourself and forgive yourself.”

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Categories : Spiritual Renaissance

Simple examples of enlightenment From the Power of Now

By Jonathan · Comments (2)

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

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Simple examples of enlightenment From the Power of Now

“I cannot tell you any spiritual truth that deep within you don’t know already. All I can do is remind you of what you have forgotten” The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

I have always been intrigued by enlightenment, but it seemed so complicated; so unattainable. Then I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and realized it was simple. The Power of Now gave two great examples that enlightened everything.

Simple Enlightenment: Craving Your Favorite dish.

“Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.” Eckhart Tolle

I’m a carnivore who loves fillet Mignon, rack of lamb, and grease cheeseburgers. I get irresistible cravings that need satisfying. Visualize for a moment your favorite meal. Imagine the smell tantalizing your senses as all your attention shifts to the simple pleasure of tasting something wonderful. That first mouth watering bite is heaven on earth. Hummm… You say to yourself. Ahhh – Yes I deserve something this great. And isn’t always the first bite that taste the best? Hummm… Yes. Yes it is, or at least for me, it was.

Then the second bite, third and so on, but before it’s over, something gets lost along the way. The flavors settle in as each bite becomes less and less fulfilling. By then time I finish a cheeseburger, I barely notice the last bite. So what changes? I do. My attention to the present moment shifts. My senses lose focus as life and its messy confusion of thoughts start turning my cerebral wheel of unrest.