Essential Reading Along the Buddhist Path

Over the years I’ve read and studied 100’s of books on the teachings of the Buddha. I am more personally drawn to the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition and specifically to the science of mind aspects of the Mahamudra tradition which is a meditative path.

Here’s the list of some of my favorite, and most useful, books on Buddhism.

Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist Tradition

Beginning Books on Tibetan Buddhism

• Gems of Dharma, Jewels of Freedom - Je Gampopa

• Dharma Paths - Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

• Path to Buddhahood - Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

• Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha - Kalu Rinpoche

• Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism - Chogyam Trungpa

• The Myth of Freedom - Chogyam Trungpa

• Practice of Tranquility and Insight - Thrangu Rinpoche

• The Joy of Living - Mingyur Rinpoche
  

Teachings on The 7 Points of Mind Training

• Start Where You Are - Pema Chodron

• The Seven Points of Mind Training - Thrangu Rinpoche

• The Great Path of Awakening - Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche (Read the foot notes)

• Enlightened Courage - Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

• Training the Mind - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

• The Benevolent Mind - Traleg Rinpoche

Teachings on Mahamudra - Kagyu Tradition

• Quintessence of Mind and Mahamudra - Takpo Tashi Namgyal (Text)

• The Mahamudra Lineage Prayer - Thrangu Rinpoche

• Pointing Out the Dharmakaya - 9th Karmapa

• Ocean of Definitive Meaning - 9th Karmapa

• Essentials of Mahamudra - Thrangu Rinpoche

• Confusion Arises as Wisdom - Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

• Present Fresh Wakefulness- Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

• Song of the Karmapa - Chikyi Nyima Rinpoche

• Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen - Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

• The Practice of Mahamudra - Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang

• Aspiration Prayer for Mahamudra - Thrangu Rinpoche

• Luminous Clarity -Thrangu Rinpoche  (Advanced)

• Crystal Clear: Practical Advice for Mahamudra - Thrangu Rinpoche (Advanced Practice Manual)

• Clarifying the Natural State - Dakpo Tashi Namgyal (Advanced Practice Manual)

Teachings on The Way of the Bodhisattva

• 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva - Shantideva

• Traveling the Path of Compassion - Ogyen Trinley Dorje

• The Heart of Compassion - Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

• The 37 Practices of Bodhisattva - Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso

Teachings on Medicine Buddha

• Medicine Buddha Teachings - Snow Lion Edition - Thrangu Rinpoche

• Medicine Buddha Teachings - Vajra Edition - Thrangu Rinpoche

• Ultimate Healing - Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Western Buddhist Writings

• Wisdom of No Escape - Pema Chodron

• Start Where You Are - Pema Chodron

• When Things Fall Apart - Pema Chodron

• The Places That Scare You - Pema Chodron

• A Path with Heart - Jack Kornfield

• After the Ecstasy, the Laundry - Jack Kornfield

• Still Forest Pool - Jack Kornfield

• The Wise Heart -  Jack Kornfield

• A Gradual Awakening - Stephen Levine

• Who Dies? - Stephen Levine

• Thoughts Without a Thinker - Mark Epstein

• One Dharma - Joseph Goldstein

• The Power and The Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship Into Joy - Andrew Holocek

• Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart - Tara Bennet-Goleman

Other Buddhist Paths

• Old Path White Clouds - Thich Nhat Hanh

• The Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings - Thich Nhat Hanh

• Being Peace - Thich Nhat Hanh

• Peace Is Every Step - Thich Nhat Hanh

• The Miracle of Mindfulness - Thich Nhat Hanh

• Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind - Suzuki Roshi

• Healing Power of Mind - Tulku Thondup

• It’s Up to You - Dzigar Kongtrul

• Radical Acceptance - Tara Brach