12 Basic Books

After the Ecstasy, the LaundryAfter the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield is a profoundly practical and illuminating work on spiritual practice along with wise commentary about religious leaders and communities.

CompassionCompassion by Christina Feldman is a deep and subtle overview of compassion practices for the blameless, for those who cause suffering, for ourselves, and for those we love.

FaithFaith by Sharon Salzberg is a fresh take on the difficult and worn-out topic of faith, which she sees as as "an animation of the heart" that moves us to acts of generosity, kindness, and clear seeing.

Going to Pieces Without Falling ApartGoing to Pieces Without Falling Apart by Mark Epstein offers illustrations from the psychiatrist's own life and his patients' experiences that show how the practices of most psychological of the world's religions can be a gateway to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

A Heart Full of PeaceA Heart Full of Peace by Joseph Goldstein is a thought-provoking meditations on the practices to cultivate love, kindness, and a skillful mind which all result in a lightness of being.

Living in the Light of DeathLiving in the Light of Death by Larry Rosenberg and David Guy conveys wise counsel on ways to work with aging and illness and the presence of death in our lives.

The Mindfulness CodeThe Mindfulness Code by Donald Altman is an impressive summary of living awareness in mind, body, spirit, and relationship and the quest to locate calm, peace, and joy within the moment.

Mindfulness for Everyday LivingMindfulness for Everyday Living by Christopher Titmuss is a beautifully illustrated volume that focuses on how mindfulness changes our relationship to daily life so that we feel more in tune with ourselves, with others, and with what is happening around us.

Passionate PresencePassionate Presence by Catherine Ingram shares an account of her spiritual journey and what she has learned — silence, tenderness, discernment, delight and wonder.

Pay Attention, for Goodness' SakePay Attention, for Goodness' Sake by Sylvia Boorstein is an exploration of the Buddha's Ten paramitas, including patience, wisdom, generosity, renunciation, as markers of the path to goodness and kindness.

Radical AcceptanceRadical Acceptance by Tara Brach is a rich compendium of spiritual practices that can counterbalance established patterns of feeling unworthy, judging ourselves and others harshly, and spurning the bounties of the present moment.

Stepping Out of Self-DeceptionStepping Out of Self-Deception by Rodney Smith offers solid commentaries on essential Buddhist views of emptiness, awakening, and relinquishment as paths to spiritual maturity.

More Books on Buddhism - Insight Meditation