What is the best introductory (but comprehensive) book on SECULAR Buddhism?
Upvote:3
I would then recommend reading the Suttas at www.accesstoinsight.org .
Upvote:5
In my opinion, 'Secular Buddhism' can be problematic since often adherents to this new group (such as Stephen Batchelor, who believes purity of mind is not possible) often misrepresent the Buddhist teachings due to no aspiration to practise Buddhism at a high level. They are like Protestant Christians that seek to modify the Buddhist teachings to suit themselves.
While there is nothing wrong with not believing in post-mortem rebirth, there is an understanding of karma & 'rebirth' that does not involve believing in an afterlife. To write-off 'karmic inheritance' is not particularly wise since there is such thing as karmic inheritance (such as when a murderer ends up in prison for their actions).
I would recommend books by monks such as Bhikkhu Buddhadasa, Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Sumedho, etc, because these demonstrate both a proper understanding of Buddhism & the 'here-&-now' approach you are interested in.
It is important to understand the Buddha himself taught his teachings are about the 'here-&-now', what in Pali is called: "Sanditthiko, Akaliko, Ehipassiko, Opanayiko and Paccattam Veditabbo Vinnuhi". Therefore, being 'secular' is not contrary to the true Buddhist teachings.
However, if you are interested in a 'watered-down' Buddhism that may help you with ordinary life then 'Secular Buddhism' might be suitable.
I personally would recommend the following books if you want to learn about true Buddhism while not interested in 'post-mortem' rebirth & other unverifiable belief systems:
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books5/Buddhadassa_Bhikkhu_Buddha_Dhamma_for_University_Students.pdf
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books5/Bhikkhu_Buddhadasa_Two_Kinds_of_Language.htm
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books2/Ajahn_Sumedho_Cittaviveka.htm
http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/Anatta_and_Rebirth.pdf
more books by these authors are here: http://www.dhammatalks.net/
You are also welcome to read my posts or ask me questions on this chatsite since these are always 'secular'. There is a here-&-now interpretation for the majority of the vast teachings attributable to the Buddha, including those about 'rebirth'.
More post
- π Evidence of determinism in DN 2 SamaΓ±Γ±aphala Sutta? Was the King already a faith follower?
- π Harmlessness as the highest form of generosity?
- π Is there a harmful side to mindfulness as it is practiced in Western materialistic/capitalistic cultures?
- π Buddhist Verse Closest To Christian/Jewish Verse
- π How do you reach Nirvana when you are craving Nirvana?
- π Two Truths in Mahayana
- π Was the Buddha harsh?
- π May I Still Take Refuge In the Triple Gem?
- π What basic knowledge and skills are required to become a Vipassana teacher?
- π Anatta during meditation
- π Is it not recommended to change the object of meditation during a short session?
- π What are the websites to learn Buddhism from start?
- π ΔnΔpΔnasati (mindfulness of breathing) -- concentrate on nose, or on whole body?
- π What are the languages associated with each Buddhist school?
- π What is a pandaka?
- π Sitting suggestions for a tall and inflexible meditator
- π Is the beginning of coming into birth described in the twelve nidanas?
- π Is lack of inherent existence the same as 'not real'?
- π Are Bodhisattvas real human beings we can encounter?
- π Do chanting mantras, devoting merit etc. to animals actually help & how do we know that?
- π Is it possible to "over-train" in samatha meditation?
- π Love versus Hatred
- π Miscarriages & Natural abortions as a result of evil beings?
- π Do Buddhists have sacred scripture to read?
- π Can another being/thing be credited or blamed for causing your emotions?
- π Cause and End of Suffering vs the Four Noble truths
- π Did the Buddha die in absorption?
- π Did the Buddha speak the Mahanidana Sutta in the Digha Nikaya?
- π Do you need both parents' permission to become ordained?
- π Can knowledge of suchness or emptiness be achieved through cessation of conceptualization?
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π What is the best introductory (but comprehensive) book on SECULAR Buddhism?
- π What are the differences/similarities in the concept of faith as used in Buddhism and Christianity?
- π What are the differences between "Nirvana" in Buddhism and "Moksha" in Hinduism?
- π What is the best strategy to confront Non-Buddhist ideology?
- π What is the best way to practice humility
- π What is the object of Faith in Buddhism
- π On what basis does the 'right' in Buddhism come from?
- π Vajrayana Buddhism relies on a teacher-pupil relationship. What in tradition or the literature explains how to find the appropriate teacher?
- π What are the teachings in Buddhism for good social Social Health?
- π What are the Buddhist teachings on how best to live a married life?
- π What is the best way to forget bad choices in the past?
- π What is the best way to develop a mind observation habit?
- π What was the reason behind the fall of Buddhism in India?
- π What would be the secular interpretation for the Assu Sutta and the Mata Sutta?
- π What is the best translation of Anatta into English?
- π What are the websites to learn Buddhism from start?
- π What impact has the Chinese Government had on Chinese Buddhism so far?
- π I can feel the rising and falling of sensations in vipassana, but what to make of thoughts?
- π What does Buddhism say about the consequences of good and bad behaviour?
- π What is the difference between Yogacara Buddhism and Idealism?
- π Is Buddhism a syncretic religion, and then what would they say on the Abrahamaic religions?
- π Vipassana sharpens my ability to feel the feelings of others, but I'm not yet sure how best to use that?
- π What is the best of Jhanas and breathing meditation?
- π What is the view of Buddhism in correcting others' view in spite of their willingness to accept it?
- π Right time, Right time! But what is the right time to speak?
- π What is the general view towards Triratna Buddhism from other schools?
- π How to explain to someone with no knowledge about Buddhism what is meant by "extinguishing" the self?
- π Why is swastika in buddhism is in this ε format and not in this ε format? What is the difference between the two? What is the meaning of each sign?
- π What does Buddhism teach about healing others through the mind
- π If someone causes me pain but I donβt lament it, feel sorrow about it- what circumstance, if any, warrants acting against the person causing pain?