|
We take a cosmopolitan approach to self-discovery and the search for Truth. There are many traditions to choose from. It doesn’t matter which tradition(s) you choose, just choose (as Don Juan would say), a path with heart. I recommend reading and re-reading these wonderful classics. “*” Indicates a “must-read”.
Meditation
*How to Meditate by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
Meditation is the foundational practice for all forms of Buddhism, and nearly all forms of self-discovery. This excellent series of talks explains a variety of meditation techniques. The practice of meditation will transform your awareness and your life. Includes a reprint of the book “Meditation: The Bridge is Flowing”, which I recommend reading first.
American Buddhism
The Enlightenment Cycle, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
This series of 10 talks provides the fundamentals of American Buddhism. Highly recommended for the newcomer to self-discovery. Topics include: Meditation, Buddhism, Power, Balance, Wisdom, Enlightenment, Personal Happiness, Reincarnation, Career and Miracles.
Insights -- Tantric Buddhist Reflections on Life, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
This short book of prose-poems is filled with Rama’s wisdom and humor on many topics including: Enlightenment, Meditation, Love, Sex, Intent, etc.
Insights: Talks on the Nature of Existence, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
13 Ground-breaking talks, including Sophisticated Sexuality, How to Make Friends with God, Why Don’t More Women Attain Enlightenment?, etc.
On the Road with Rama, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
7 talks delivered in various places of power, including Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Maui, and Walden Pond.
Buddhism
*Dhammapada, The Sayings of the Buddha. Translated by Thomas Byrom
This short spiritual classic makes Buddhism accessible to Westerners.
A Buddhist Bible, Edited by Dwight Goddard
A compilation of the Buddha’s teachings, from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan sources.
Masters of Mahamudra, translated by Keith Dowman
Read the wonderful stories about how 84 men and women became enlightened.
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, translated by Bhikku Nanamoli and Bhikku Bodhi
Buddhist scripture which ranges from basic ethics to instructions in meditation and liberating insight. The Buddha holds a living dialogue with people from the many different strata of ancient Indian society.
The Large Sutra of Perfect Widsom, translated by Edward Conze
Fundamental teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Not for beginners.
Hinduism
*The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Swami Prabhavananda, Christopher Isherwood
One of foundations of Hinduism, this short classic is actually the conversation between Arjuna, a noble prince in ancient India, and Krishna, an enlightened being. Covers dharma, karma, the four yogas, mysticism, and enlightenment.
*Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda
Amazing magical and mystical stories in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda as he grows up encountering many holy men and women in contemporary India.
*The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, by M / Swami Nikhilananda
Transformative and inspiring story of the life of the Enlightened saint, Sri Ramakrishna as told by one of his disciples.
The Upanishads, translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Frederick Manchester
How to Know God, The Yoga Aphorishms of Patanjali, translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood
Concise description of meditation and the path to enlightenment.
Tibetan Buddhism
*Surfing the Himalayas, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
Dr. Frederick Lenz, as a young man, visits the Himalayas and meets an Enlightened Buddhist Monk and has many mystical adventures.
Snowboarding to Nirvana, by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz.
The continuing adventures of Dr. Frederick Lenz in the Himalayas. Includes secret meditation techniques.
*Tibet’s Great Yogi Milarepa, translated by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
Gripping biography of Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most famous yogis. A story of happiness, tragedy, revenge, penance and enlightenment make this story one of the most-told in Tibet.
Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines, edited by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
These are the secret teachings as practiced in the monasteries of old Tibet. This is actually 7 short books in 1. Topics cover Buddhist ethics and conduct, and many forms of meditation and yoga.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead, edited by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
Describes the “after-death” visions in detail, up until the time of rebirth. Tibetan version of the AAA guide to the after death states. Highly recommended for the living!
The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation, edited by W.Y. Evans-Wentz
Excellent introduction to the life and teachings of one of Tibet’s most famous teachers, Padma Sambhava.
The Life and Teaching of Naropa, by Herbert V. Guenther
The story of Naropa’s Enlightenment, with the humorous, but painful, trials that his Enlightened Teacher, Tilopa, puts him through. The lineage of Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa and Milarepa, is an extremely powerful and vibrant path to Enlightenment.
Tantric Buddhism, 27 talks by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
Sophisticated topics include: Tantric Buddhism, Enlightenment, The Nexus of All Pathways, Peak Experiences, Buddhist Yoga, The Path of Negation, etc.
A Journey in Ladakh, by Andrew Harvey
Contemporary story of Andrew Harvey’s journey to Buddhist Ladakh.
Sympathetic perspective from a Westerner’s point of view.
*The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, by Sogyal Rinpoche
This modern classic is a warm and accessible presentation of Tibetan Buddhism, with an emphasis on understanding the dying process. There are wonderful personal stories of the author with his teachers, meditation instructions, etc.
The Words of My Perfect Teacher, by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Another warm and wonderful presentation of Tibetan Buddhism, including Buddhist ethics, spiritual practices and meditation instructions.
The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones, by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Warm introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism.
American Indian Mysticism
*Journey to Ixtlan, by Carlos Castaneda
The mystical adventures of Carlos Castaneda, under the tutelage of his American Indian teacher, Don Juan. This is a “how to” manual.
*Tales of Power, by Carlos Castaneda
The continuing mystical adventures of Carlos Castaneda.
A Separate Reality, by Carlos Castaneda
The Power of Silence, by Carlos Castaneda
The Second Ring of Power, by Carlos Castaneda
The Teachings of Don Juan, A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, by Carlos Castaneda
Zen
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
Short Zen classic talks on Zen meditation and practice.
Zen Tapes, Eighteen Talks by Rama, Dr. Frederick Lenz
Very pragmatic talks on Zen, including Tantric Zen, Concentration and Meditation, Overcoming Stress, How To Be a Successful Student, The Zen of Sports and Athletics, Career Success, and many others.
Other
*The Way of Life, by Lao Tzu. Translated by Witter Bynner.
This short classic is the cornerstone of Taoism. The poetry-prose of Lao Tzo is as pragmatic as it is spiritual.
The I Ching or Book of Changes, translated by Wilhelm/Baynes
The Book of Changes describes the Universe as 64 states of change. If you learn about what state of change your life is in, you are in a better position, like a sailor, to steer your boat in the right direction. Many use this book for divination.
The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, translated by Samuel B. Griffith
Learn to be strategic in your personal and professional life. Don’t be a victim.
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Translated by Katherine Woods.
The Kabir Book, translated by Robert Bly
Love poems to God, by the famous Indian poet, Kabir.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Seuss
Very inspired good fun, by the master of inspiring the young at heart.
Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
A reminder to all of us of the “simpler is better” mindstate.
Hamlet, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
To thoroughly understand and enjoy these plays, I recommend first reading the Cliff Notes, then reading the play carefully (using all notes), and then seeing the play. These plays are timeless, relevant, and full of truth.
|
