Ch. 25 Lotus Sutra

"Universal Gateway,” Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra" (Kamakura Period). Digital image: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 

Introductory Books on Buddhism (10)

We often receive requests for recommended readings on Buddhism. Here are ten reliable introductory books to start with, all still in print. For more, including works on specific topics within Buddhism, see “Bibliography on Buddhism,” the reading list our PhD students draw from for their qualifying examination in Buddhist Studies. We update both lists as the field changes.

Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

An Introduction to Buddhism

An Introduction to Buddhism

Foundations of Buddhism

The Foundations of Buddhism

Sayings of the Buddha.

Sayings of the Buddha

The Buddha: A Short Bibliography

The Buddha: A Short Biography

Buddhist Scriptures

Buddhist Scriptures

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahāyāna Buddhism

How to Read Buddhist Art

How to Read Buddhist Art

Charisma and Compassion

Charisma and Compassion

How the Swans Came to the Lake

How the Swans Came to the Lake