Suggested Readings

PLEASE keep in mind that these books are very helpful and give information about dharma but that the traditional way teachings are given is through an oral lineage of teachings directly from teacher to disciple. So, though you can get information from books, the way to practice and gain realization is only through the instructions of the teacher which provide the key to understanding and experience. Especially do not read books about esoteric practices involving deities, Dzogchen(great perfection), or Mahamudra without the oral transmission, and in the traditional manner in which these teachings are preceded by preliminary mind trainings and practice as well as empowerment. ~ Paloma Landry translator for Khentrul Lodrö Thayé.

Basic Practice - books that one can read without transmission

  • Gates to Buddhist Practice By Chagdud Rinpoche, Padma Publishing
  • Change of Heart, Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku By Lama Shenpen Drolma, Padma Publishing
  • A Hundred Verses of Advice By Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
  • This Precious Life By Khadro Rinpoche
  • The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattava By Gyalse Togme
  • The Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination By Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, from Dharma Series ISBN #1-877294-13-6
  • Buddhist Himalayas Photographs by Mathieu Ricard, Harry Abrams ISBN# 0-8109-34-89-2
  • Life in Relation to Death By Chagdud Rinpoche, Padma Publishing
  • Old Path White Clouds By Thich Nhat Hanh
  • When Things Fall ApartBy Pema Chodron
  • The Monk and the Philosopher By Mathieu Ricard and Jean-Francois Revel

    • His Holiness the Dalai Lama

  • **(Dalai Lama’s Autobiography listed below in Life Stories and Examples of past Saints)
  • An Open Heart, Practicing Compassion in Every Day
  • A Simple Path:   Basic Buddhist Teachings
  • How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life
  • The Four Noble Truths:  Fundamentals of the Buddhist Teachings
  • Healing Anger: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective
  • The Path to Enlightenment
  • Ethics for the New Millennium
  • Science, Psychology and Buddhism
  • The Universe in a Single Atom
  • New Physics and Cosmology By the Dalai Lama, Mind and Life Conference 1997
  • Destructive Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama Mind and Life Conference 2000
  • Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, Mind and Life Conference 1990
  • Visions of Compassion: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, Mind and Life Conference 1995
  • Consciousness at the Crossroads: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, Mind and Life Conference 1989
  • Gentle Bridges: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, Mind and Life Conference 1987
  • Sleeping, Dreaming, and Dying: Conversations with the Dalai Lama, Mind and life Conference 1992

    • Physics and Cosmology

  • The Quantum and the Lotus By Mathieu Ricard
  • Life Stories and Examples of past Saints Freedom In Exile: An Autobiography of the Dalai Lama
  • The Life of Milarepa a new translation from the Tibetan By Anonymous, translated by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa
  • Lord of the Dance: Autobiography of a Tibetan Lama By Chagdud Rinpoche
  • Women of Wisdom By Tsultrim Allione
  • Delog, Journey to Realms Beyond Death Delog Dawa Drolma by Padma Publishing
  • Blazing Splendor, Memoirs of Tulku Orgyan Rinpoche By Eric Pema Kunzang and Marcia Binder, Rangjung Yeshe Publications
  • Marvelous Garland of Rare Gems By Nyoshul Khenpo, translated by Richard Barron, by Padma Publishing
  • Journey To Enlightenment Photographs and narrative by Mathieu Ricard (about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche)
  • Cave in the Snow By Vickie Mckenzie, RR Donelly and Sons Company

    • Historical Books and Lineage

  • The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism—Its Fundamentals and History By Dudjom Rinpoche, translated by Gyurme Dorje and Matthew Kapstein Published by Wisdom Pub.
  • Masters of Meditation and Miracles, Lives of the Great Buddhist Masters of India and Tibet By Tulku Dondup, Published by Shambhala

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