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!”

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

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“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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“A person of confidence and goodness will be welcomed wherever they go.”  The Buddha verse 303

The Just

“A man is not wise because he has much to say. The wise man is he who is patient, fearless, and free from hatred.”  The Buddha verse 258

“He is a true follower who has gone beyond both good and evil and who lives in the awakened way.”  The Buddha verse 267

“A man is not noble if he injure any living creature. The noble man is gentle to all living creatures.”  The Buddha verse 270

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On a full-moon day of May, when the trees were blossoming, Queen Mahamaya gave birth to a son. In the Lumbini grove, under the shade of a flowering Sal tree, The Buddha, founder of the philosophy of Buddhism was born. He was known as Siddhattha. (Siddhartha = one whose purpose has been achieved). This is part 3 in my continuing series of Buddhist quotes from the Dhammapada. Each photo links directly to the original source.

Buddhist verses from Siddhartha – The Enlightened One

The World

“Do not live thoughtlessly, in distraction and with deluded aims, outside the universal law.”   The Buddha verse 167

“Rouse yourself and follow the enlightened way through the world with energy and joy.”  The Buddha verse  168

“Swans rise and fly through the air.  How magical they are! So do the resolute conquer the armies of delusion and rise above the world.”   The Buddha verse 175, The Dhammapada Read More→