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Eastern Philosophy & Religion: The Essential Reads
22
items I've spent years exploring thought-provoking books on both philosophy and religion. During this time, I've particularly loved diving into eastern texts that allow a deep exploration of philosophical ideas: whether these are beautifully composed Hindu...
Sections
3
Hinduism
Buddhism
Taoism & Chinese Philosophy
Hinduism
Here you can find a collection of the key Hindu texts that have deeply inspired me.
I found immense value in this book; it offers a remarkably comprehensive introduction to Hinduism.
Explaining Hindu Dharma: A Guide for Teachers (An Introductory Text to Hinduism)
For whatever reason, the Vedic hymns and mantras stirred my passion less than other Hindu scriptures; this is perhaps because they are so enigmatic, and thus can be difficult to understand.
The Holy Vedas: Bibek Debroy Translation (Hindu Religious Text)
When I read the Upanishads, I became deeply captivated by their philosophical content. I was struck by the timeless wisdom about life, the universe, and reality.
The Upanishads: Eknath Easwaran Translation (Hindu Religious Text)
From first read, the Gita was profound and impactful. I adore its spiritual teachings about life, yoga, and duty.
The Bhagavad Gita: Eknath Easwaran Translation (Hindu Religious Text)
I was truly enchanted by the poetic beauty of the Ramayana; it is, for me, an incredibly emotional work of Hindu literature.
The Ramayana: William Buck Translation (Hindu Religious Text)
Although I haven't read the Mahabharata yet, I had to include it on this list. It is one of the main epics of Hinduism, and therefore it is a true must-read.
Mahabharata: William Buck Translation (Hindu Religious Text)
A beautifully intimate text that explores the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.
The Gospel Of Ramakrishna: Swami Nikhilananda Translation
Buddhism
Below you will find an eclectic selection of Buddhist books that I have found some remarkably wise teachings in.
This text offered me invaluable wisdom and illumination; I love that this book provides us with the direct words of Buddha himself.
The Dhammapada: Buddha (The Teachings of Buddha)
This is an incredibly piercing short text that offers profound insights for those who consider it deeply. It is one of the most important Buddhist texts.
The Heart Sutra [PDF]: A New Translation (Thich Nhat Hanh)
A remarkably enlightening, albeit enigmatic, ancient text. The diamond sutra is one of the most revered Buddhist scriptures.
The Diamond Sutra: Text and Commentaries (Red Pine Translation)
A wonderfully valuable book by the revered master Bodhidharma. His teachings about mind, reality, and enlightenment fascinated me.
The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma: Bodhidharma (Buddhist Philosophical Text)
Although I haven't read this sutra yet, it is certainly worth including in this list. It is a central text of Zen Buddhism, offering the profound teachings of the sixth patriarch of Chan (Zen), Hui-neng.
The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng (Zen Buddhist Text)
The koans in this book are remarkably fun and crazy; I always love dipping back into it to hear about the weird antics of the Zen masters.
The Gateless Barrier: Master Mumon Ekai (Zen Koans & Commentaries)
I love how clearly and candidly Eugen shares his own experience with the Zen of archery. It is a lovely little read.
Zen in the Art of Archery: Eugen Herrigel (Zen Buddhist Biography)
I really enjoyed Zen Keys because it offers a deep exploration of Zen philosophy and practice without being unnecessarily long.
Zen Keys: Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen Buddhism)
I always enjoy reading the fun and enlightening stories compiled in this book; it provides a lovable insight into the world of Zen trickery.
Zen Antics: Thomas Cleary (A Compilation of Zen Buddhist Stories)
This is a beautiful collection of Zen (or Zen-inspired) poetry; the short, piercing poems touched something deep within me.
Zen Poems: Manu Bazzano (Zen Buddhist Poetry)
This lovely little book consists of 365 sayings from the Buddha, one for each day of the year. It's perfect for regular reflection.
Sayings of the Buddha: William Wray (Buddha's Teachings)
Taoism & Chinese Philosophy
These great works of Chinese philosophy have never failed to offer me wisdom, composure, and insight.
I always love returning to the Tao Te Ching (and to Taoism). The book has offered me a deep wisdom around how to live in alignment with life itself.
Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu (Chinese Taoist Philosophy)
I often return to the Hua Hu Ching, and when I do, I am always deeply impacted by Lao Tzu's exploration of the Tao, ego, and life.
Hua Hu Ching: Lao Tzu (Chinese Taoist Philosophy)
I found a deep, intriguing, wisdom in Merton's renderings of the sayings and stories of Chuang Tzu.
The Way of Chuang Tzu: Thomas Merton (Chinese Taoist Philosophy)
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu highlights some remarkably profound military strategies and tactics.
The Art of War: Sun Tzu (Chinese Philosophy)