Looking for a Recommendation :)

[Keren]

Just a quick disclaimer: I mean no disrespect by this post whatsoever and hope it isn't received in that way. I'm not looking to adopt the Buddhist faith, but am interested in exploring some of the philosophical self-help properties that I've heard that the faith has. I hope this isn't taken the wrong way. I'm looking for something that doesn't particularly discuss God or religion in general, simply spirituality at most. I hope this is ok to post here!

I'm looking for an introductory book on the basic teachings and philosophy of Buddha, presented from a personal development perspective. I'm looking for an easy read, meaning something more leisurely than academic in style. I would like to explore the subject but am not sure where to start. I did a search on Amazon and many titles came up; "If the Buddha Got Stuck: A Handbook for Change on a Spiritual Path" and "The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self" kind of look like what I'm going for, but I would appreciate any guidance. :) Bonus points for something that works on building confidence through self-awareness and acceptance. Thanks so much in advance!

[Sean]

My name is Sean Morgan, and my self-development book, The Mastery Of Change, Choosing Mental and Emotional Wellness has just been published by Embracing Peace Press, a small company promoting positivity. I thought it might be of interest to you.
Description:

I’m Sean Morgan and my mission in life is to give hope to people who are looking for it. I’ve spent years discovering the most effective methods for self-transformation and empowerment from ancient eastern traditions to modern western research. I had to go on this journey due to intense mental, emotional, and physical illness. Now I’m sharing the most powerful insights and practices to provide guidance to those suffering with any or all of the following: low energy, low motivation, physical illness, anxiety, depression, and financial scarcity.

The included workbook will guide you through the techniques that worked for me such as deconstructing beliefs, physical healing practices, visualizations, meditations, and journal reflections. You will also develop your understanding of neural pattern interruptions, emotional energy cycles, the correlation between social introversion and depression, and much more. By the end of this book you will know why patterns of negativity persist in ourselves and in the world. Second, you will understand what it takes to break free from patterns of victimhood, illness, depression, and fear. Third, you will have a toolbox of practices that encourage neurological and biological evolution and you will know WHY they work. Last, you will know what steps you can take immediately to start a process of massive transformation.

I’ve traveled the path from darkness to daylight, from the depths of despair to wellness of body and mind. I hope that you will learn from my mistakes and my successes.

Check out the table of contents to get an idea of the breadth and practicality of my life’s work which I’ve distilled into this workbook that I hope you will find intriguing yet accessible.


Download Links: http://readpositivewords.weebly.com

(Full Version Can Be Attached In Follow Up Email)

Author Website: http://www.MasteryOfChange.com


Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings,

Sean

[Jim]

You may want to start a daily mindfulness meditation practice: it helps, in time, to accept oneself and one does not necessarily have to become a Buddhist to benefit from the practice.

A good, easy to read (not to mention the peaceful soothing prose) is Thich Nhat Hanh's "Miracle of Mindfulness". Peace.

[James]

Buddhism is not really about self help, although I am aware that is the way it is often marketed. If you are interested in a Buddhist friendly self help approach I suggest ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). It is the most Buddhist of the modern versions of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which is interesting as it is the only mindfulness based therapy that did not develop with a direct Buddhist influence.

Anyway the workbook by Steve Hayes, Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life, is a good place to start, but I would also support the suggestion of incorporating some mindfulness mediation. Be careful which “mindfulness” approach you take though. Instructions suggesting you become “non-judgemental” etc. can be counter productive as it make the process very mindy, and cognitive.

For a basic introduction to Buddhism you might try Buddhism Is Not What You Think: Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs.

[[deleted user]]

If you are looking for the self-help benefits of Buddhist practice without adopting an actual religious faith then you are actually interested in the 'Mindfulness' movement. I would begin by reading books by Jon Kabat Zinn like 'Everywhere You Go, There You Are,' and the book 'Buddhism Without Beliefs' by Stephen Bachelor. Kabat Zinn has also released guided meditation CD's that you may find helpful and audio books that are really good. Other good 'self-help oriented' Buddhist teachers include Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzburg and Pema Chodron. Of course, you will find a lot more 'Buddhism' in their teachings than you will Kabat Zinn.

[Seabass]

These are my three favorites

Old path white clouds
(Travel story of historical buddha with all basic teachings. Very authentic and also easy to read)

https://www.amazon.de/Old-Path-White-...
..........................
What Makes You Not a Buddhist
Written with many examples this book explains the main teachings in a voice that everyone understands. Best introduction to the topic and much better than you expect from the cheesy title.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-You...
..............

Entering the Diamond Way: My Path Among the Lamas
(Two western Hippies go to India and Kathmandu and become students of a great master of meditation, who is considered a realized Buddha himself. Non Fiction).

https://www.amazon.com/Entering-Diamo...

[Nataša]

During the past 5 years a group of spiritual researchers worked hard to create a Series of Books - Courses called Alchemy of Love Mindfulness Training that have exactly this focus: bringing love into the minds of men.



The books within the Series are:

Natasa Pantovic Nuit

Mindful Eating exploring vegetarian and vegan diet with delicious raw vegan recipes

Tree of Life Tree of Life book of spiritual poetry

Chanting Mantras with Best Chords A Guide to using mantras as a spiritual tool

Mindful Being towards Mindful Living Course. 12 module personal growth exploration journey

Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents

Art of 4 Elements Discover Alchemy through Poetry

More info about the Mindfulness Training content, methodology, mission could be found within this essay:

https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...

The best way to learn more about the books is to have a look at some videos: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/list...



For the lovers of fiction, we have just launched our spiritual historical fiction novel called A-Ma Alchemy of Love that explores our journey to enlightenment within a setting of the Age of Enlightenment (17th century) in China).

To have a glimpse into Ama-s 12 chapters have a look at: https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...



https://www.amazon.com/Ma-Ms-Natasa-N...

[Joe]

This may sound like an odd approach but I would highly recommend that you find time to read (or reread) Walden Pond by Henry David Thoreau. This happens to be the bicentennial of Thoreau's birth which is what prompted me to pick the book up earlier this summer. Thoreau has a very unique and very western approach to thinking about eastern spirituality, which may prove to be helpful to you in getting started on your own journey. Good luck! You can read part of my recent essay about Thoreau called Home Grown Dharma here:

http://lampoetry.blogspot.com/2017/08...