Buddhist Books

Dr. Epstein does a wonderful job providing a bit of an introduction to Buddhism while also connecting it to Western psychology and issues that present themselves in his therapy sessions. If you’ve ever felt hollow, that your insides feel empty, or get that deep aching in your gut after a breakup then this is a book for you. Dr. Epstein helps you explore ideas of how to feel solid, whole and filled up within yourself without being dependent upon anyone.

Dr. Goleman’s narrative account of the first Mind and Life Institute meeting with the Dalai Lama, neuroscientists, psychologists, researchers and others is extremely inviting. I, Dr. Lodrö, am a big evidence and science nerd and this account of tossing monks in fMRI’s and the implications is just amazing. The Buddhas was a scientist and now, we can use science and its tools to verify that the practices are proven to help us physically and psychologically.

This is a lovely classic known to many. Shunryu Suzuki’s focus upon the importance of remaining open-minded, fresh and unbiased by past experiences and knowledge is beautiful. Upon reading this you might think the concept and one’s ability to do this might be relatively simple…it isn’t. It’s remarkable how subtle and influential our mind is at the unconscious level. Furthermore, when we spent more time in Beginner’s Mind, contentment comes to us easier.

Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche is definitely a controversial figure and while I generally don’t select his work for recommendations, this book is particularly good. He discusses the many different ways that one’s spiritual practices and identity can get hijacked by one’s ego, generally without the person’s awareness. Though it’s focused upon Eastern traditions, I believe it’s applicable to anyone’s spiritual or religious practice and identity.

Alan Watts is beyond masterful in both his ability to communicate the visceral essence of Buddhist teachings and such a dense amount of information. This is definitely a slow read for anyone, and well worth it. It’s best to journal between your readings and reflect/observe how the concepts show up in your daily life.