10 Best Books On Buddhism You Must Read

These books will surely grow your interest in Buddhism and You Will love to follow the Lessons

Now that you are here, you must have heard about Buddhism somewhere. That’s why you are keen to know more about this religion. 

So, before I begin with the recommendations, let me give you a small introduction to Buddhism. 

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world. It is also a transnational religion. That means almost every country has Buddhist people, along with countries that have the majority of Buddhists. 

Buddhism starts with the story of Prince Siddhartha. Brought in a luxurious environment. He encountered the first human suffering at 30. And that’s when he decided to go on a spiritual journey. 

So, now you have a vague idea of what is waiting for you. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

The 10 Best Books On Buddhism Everyone Must Read

Below I have made a list of the 10 best books on Buddhism. Which will surely inspire your life. You never know what kind of spell these books are going to have on you. Its will help you to begin your spiritual journey.

1. In the Buddha’s Words by Pali Cannon (2005)

This book on Buddhism is a kick start when you are a beginner. Learning about something means learning from scratch. 

This book consists of many dialogues, speeches, and teachings by Buddha himself. “In the Buddha’s Words” has chapters ranging from human conditions, bringer of lights, to approaching the dharma. 

Get The Book Here: In the Buddha’s Words

2. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse (1981)

Siddhartha” has a fictional touch, so it’s going to engulf you from the very beginning. 

But that doesn’t mean it misses out a lot. No, it has got detailed information about everything and anything about Siddhartha and Buddhism. This book concentrates on the life of Gautam Buddha. It is short, simple, and easy to read. So, you can finish it in one go. 

Get The Book Here: Siddhartha

3. Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen (1998)

This book on Buddhism will inspire you to take up this religion. Many readers said that every line of this book made perfect sense. There’s nothing to debate about. It’s just there in front of you. And you take the lessons without any hesitation. 

Get The Book Here: Buddhism Plain And Simple

4. Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright (2018)

One of America’s greatest authors shows how Buddhism offers the path to intellectual honesty and lasting happiness on the highest-grossing journey through psychology, philosophy, and much meditation.

Robert Wright explains how it may transform your life to take this promise seriously. How it can lift the grasp of worry, remorse, and anger, and strengthen the awareness of your beauty and others. 

Get The Book Here: Why Buddhism Is True

5. Buddhism: Its History and Literature By T. W. Rhys Davids (2021)

This book consists of six lectures given in 1894-1895, in a range of leading academic institutions in the United States. 

These lectures have been given by one of the best specialists in holy Buddhist writings of the late 19th Century.

These courses deal with religious theories preceding Buddhism in India. The authorities upon which our Buddhist knowledge is founded. 

Get The Book Here: Buddhism: Its History And Literature

6. The Little Book Of Buddhism by Dalai Lama (2019)

Let me just say, this book on Buddhism has got the most respect in the market. Because why not. We are talking about the Dalai Lama here, the most revered spiritual leader. 

This gem of a book provides the basic Buddhism lessons from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in everyday life. It is a famous compilation of ageless advice and lessons on the need for love and compassion, individual accountability, and an understanding of everyday situations.

Anybody, whatever their views, the teachings of the Dalai Lama can soothe and inspire.

Get The Book Here: The Little Book Of Buddhism

7. The Heart Of Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh (1999)

Thich Nhat Hanh gives the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and other fundamental Buddhist lessons in “The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching.” This is his gift of simple and lyrical articulation. 

The amazing gift of Thich Nhat Hanh to Buddhism and life is how he makes these teachings and practices available to everyone. This reveals that the route to our liberation might be the exact pain that holds us back.

Get The Book Here: The Heart Of Buddha’s Teaching 

8. The Buddha In Daily Life by Richard Causton (1995)

Daishon Nichiren’s Buddhism promotes the notion that material and emotional rewards can be attainable in this life for everybody through their faith and practice.

It is through devotion and commitment to Lotus Sutra, fundamental teaching for Buddhism, which may meet needs and achievements. 

Get The Book Here: The Buddha In Daily Life

9. What The Buddha Taught by Walpola Sri Rahula (2019)

The teachings of Dr. Rahula fulfils the necessity since only one person could have a clear understanding of the huge information. It is an example of what literature should be. It is primarily aimed at the ‘trained and intelligent reader.’ 

This research is as extensive as it is marvelously authoritative, clear, rational, and serious.

Get The Book Here: What The Buddha Taught

10. Teachings of the Buddha by Jack Kornfield (2007)

Ending with the last book on Buddhism is with this simple text. The most renowned works from Indians, Tibetans, Chinese, and Japanese come from this treasure of vital Buddhist teachings. 

Among the picks were some of Buddha’s first documented words on liberation practice. 

Along with texts from later Indian scriptures on the completion of the knowledge. And Tibetan masters’ lyrics on the enlightened minds and Zen instructors’ praise songs.

Get The Book Here: Teachings Of The Buddha

Summary

I assume that you are an absolute beginner in the world of Buddhism. So, let me tell you, you chose the right thing. Buddhism as a religion has given birth to many spiritual leaders. 

It’s still very underrated, and research is still going on. So, you know it is a never-ending journey of knowledge and enlightenment. 

"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases"