A well written introduction to Zen for the beginner. Includes practical information on the history, theory, and practice of Zen.

A practical, direct, and thoughtful guide for beginning a Zen practice.

Common-sense Zen. Another helpful introductory text for beginners.

Information on the theory and practice of Zen for the beginner.

A favorite translation of this classic ancient text with a forward by C. G. Jung.

A helpful compendium to The I Ching (sited above).

An excellent reference for the serious student of Chan.

One of the most authoritative authors on Zen Buddhism, this is one of D. T. Suzuki's most comprehensive works on Zen Buddhism. An invaluable source for clarifying many obscure and confusing aspects of Buddhism.

Master Yun Men is one of the most important teachers in the Chan tradition. This is a well-written and clear account of the teachings of master Yun Men, giving the flavor of Chan as a beautiful spiritual practice. A favorite.

A look into Japanese Zen from a Westerner's point of view. Includes a translation of the Hsinshinming with commentary.

A classic Zen text for koan study. Koan study should not be attempted without guidance from a trained master in Koan teaching. This book is an interesting read, but may tend to overly captivate the mind and intellect which is not the intent of Koan study/practice. Here it is essential to read between (and beneath!) the lines.

A treatise on the teachings of several important Chan masters. It includes charts of famous Chan masters in the period 594-990.

An essential read for the serious Chan practitioner. The Chan path culminated in the works and teachings of Hui Neng, and this is the compilation of his most highly regarded teachings, well translated, with copious references. The Tun Huang manuscript is the oldest (earliest) version of the sutra that exists and is therefore considered to be the most accurate.

Offers useful background on the Taoist philosophy and religion that later merged with Indian Buddhism to form the Chan school. The translation is sometimes awkward, but the essential meaning comes through.

Of mostly academic interest, this book illustrates some of the teachings methods used by famous Chinese Chan masters between 480 AD and 1260 AD. When reading these dialogues of Chan Masters with their disciples, or stories of their interactions, it is important to recognize that the state of mind of the disciple was always what determined the action taken by the Master. The words were only a very small part of the picture, but all that can be conveyed in a book. Any serious student of Chinese Chan will find this book interesting reading.

A presentation of the Gatha of the Third Chan Patriarch with a thoughtful discussion. Translated here as "Trust in Mind", the Xinxinming is also known as the Shinshinming, the Gatha of Seng T'san. And the Hsin-hsin-ming. Mu Soeng includes 10 different translations of the poem including that found on this website.

An honest and personal account of a man's encounter with Taoist masters and recluses. Covers the many shades and forms of Taoist belief and practice.

A beautiful collection of art - mostly drawings, and paintings - from the Japanese Zen traditions. Includes many notes and historical details of the artists that may not be found easily elsewhere.

Another beautifully illustrated and annotated book on Zen art.

As a close relative to Chinese Chan Buddhism, these Taoist texts offer insights into some of the foundational teachings of Chan as a distinct path from Indian Buddhism. The author includes the Chinese characters for most technical terminology, which helps in cross-referencing with other sources.

Mr. Suzuki gives the reader insight into the daily life of a Zen monk living a monastic life of humble service and labor. An important book for those interested in monastic life.

An historical overview of some parts of Chan's early history.

Ever wonder why Avalokiteshvara is sometimes portrayed as part man, part woman? The Androgyne, symbolized in Taoism by the Yin-Yang symbol: two teardrops, one black and one white, spinning about each other, is an archetypal form encountered in our spiritual journeys and was referenced by Master Hsu Yun in his famous Ox herding poems (found on this website). E. Zolla discusses the Androgyne archetype as a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth and gives numerous illustrations from religions and cultures around the world including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and others.

A personal and honest account of the spiritual journey.

One of the most respected and influential authors of mystical wisdom of the thirteenth century, Meister Eckhart explores, in-depth, the nature of spiritual life.

One of the worlds great mystics of the 16th century (Catholic tradition), the teachings of St. John of the Cross remain timeless.

Excellent translations of some of Rumi's most famous poetry.

Poetry can often take us into the spiritual minds of people better than any other form of writing and this collection of poetry recently published by Wisdom Publications is no exception. This is the kind of book that's nice to have at your bedside for easy access to a few verses before turning off the light.

A must for anyone who enjoys reading the poetry of enlightenment.

A good reference for some important sutras, including the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, the Surangama Sutra, the Lankavatara scripture, the Platform Sutra, and the Avatamsaka.

Two of the central sutras of the Mahayana Chan school, this book offers clear and readable translations of the two scriptures.

The most thourough compilatoin of Chinese and Buddhist symbolism I have found to date in one source. Technical terms are included in both pinyin and Chinese characters.

This book exemplifies the slippery nature of the Sutras as their origins evolved in a variety of circumstances.

A thorough introduction to Mahayana Buddhism. A good starting place for those interested in Buddhist thought and theology.

One of the oldest Indian Buddhist texts is translated and discussed in technical detail in this scholarly work.

A clear and well translated version of the sayings of the Buddha.

Although this text focuses on Japanese Buddhist symbolism, it is essentially identical to Chinese Buddhist symbolism, and the Chinese terms are given in most cases along with the Japanese. A valuable resource for anyone interested in the deeper symbolic meanings found in the Buddhist art and literature.

Only for those who enjoy philosophy and physics.

A "thinker's" look into the nature of mind as it perceives time and space through it's own mechanisms of interpretation. Explores the nature of infinite time and infinite space and includes exercises to enhance concentration and awareness.

Considered one of the greatest western spiritual thinkers and philosophers of the twentieth century, this is Mr. Buber's classic text on the nature of relationship and inter-personal identity.

Perhaps Mr. Buber's most famous work, I and Thou explores the relationship between self and God in a great deal of depth. A difficult but thought-provoking and illuminating read.

Includes beautiful illustrations and artwork

Covers intermediate and advanced spiritual practices in the Chinese spiritual traditions. Clear and well-written.

As always, M. Eliade writes with clarity and authority, citing copious references as he illuminates the spiritual path of the yogi. A good foundation for understanding many of the roots of Chan Buddhism.

Out of print but available used from many sources. A beautifully written primmer on Yoga practices, with thoughtful explanations, examples and exercises.

Includes insightful Essays by Erwin Rousselle and many others. Of special note is the essay by C.G. Jung "Dream Symbols of the Individuation Process".

A thoughtful and well-researched study on the symbolism as the language of spiritual experience and consciousness.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Mr. Porter brings out the humanity and spirituality of existence through his interviews and experiences with hermits as he travels through remote parts of China.

This insightful look into the nature of anger and its origins draws richly on allegories, fables, myths, as well as the psychological and neural sciences. Draws richly on the studies of Carl Jung.

All mystical experience is universal in nature, but different systems are used to describe and explain the various experiences we encounter. Carl Jung discusses the psychology behind the mystic's experience from the paradigm of Kundalini Yoga. An thought-provoking read.

Carl Jung ties together mystical motifs and symbols from numerous sources in this in-depth look at advanced spiritual states. Of special interest is his "Commentary on "The Secret of the Golden Flower", a quintessential resource on Taoist mysticism.

A very helpful resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the inner life. Carl Jung ties together universal symbolic motifs that are common to all people in all cultures and explains them in terms of our spiritual growth and evolution of personal and universal awareness. It includes numerous illustrations from cultures and religions around the world.

This book covers a multitude of topics relating to the feminine, both in terms of psychological manifestations and spiritual growth. Of special interest is the chapter on the Anima and Animus.

A thoroughly philosophical treatise on mentation and conscious behaviour influenced by Eastern philosophical systems. This will be an interesting read for people who also enjoy thought-puzzles, games, etc. Mr. Pinker gives us new ways to think about who we are and how our senses and mind interpret our reality.

An invaluable read for parents and teachers or anyone who interacts with children. A real gem.