Is it all Zen? (Buddhist in general)

Member Name: gillberg

Product:	Buddhist in general
Date:	31/07/01 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Find a footing, Expand the mind

Disadvantages: Some are too advanced, Pricey?

I'm going to write about Buddhist books here. The section title tends to imply writing about Buddhism. I'll stick with books though.
It's amazing that when you pick up most Buddhist books you are in fact picking up Zen Buddhist ones. Not that this is a bad thing but there should at least be a small hint as to what the source is. Picking up a book such as Buddhism Plain and Simple, you'd think that you would be getting an over view of the whole of Buddhism, wrong. Look before you leap.

I find that since becoming a Buddhist I am much more careful about the books I buy. This is partly due to the fact that you get bogged down with different views or ideas about Buddhism. Not a bad thing but I don't want to get too confused or snowed under with different traditions.
My own tradition is Karma Kagyu. So I am focusing on books that cover the Kagyu history/teachings. Tibetan Buddhism pays a lot of respect to the lineage of masters. So I think sticking to one's own tradition of Buddhism is best.
I do read books by the Dalai Lama (Gelug tradition). He spells out Buddhism in a non-sectarian way. Also, his books are very interesting.

I won't buy books that go into advanced teachings or are the teachings themselves. Mainly because I've been adviced against it. Which is a good thing because it would end up being misunderstood and interpreted incorrectly. Not imply that it says what you want it to.
You build up the spiritual foundations and then when you are ready you can request the teaching from a Lama. Going out and buying it seems a good idea but without proper instruction, it won't be worth it.

So Buddhist books are good as a starting point. Finding out which tradition you feel most comfortable in is a must. Then try it out. I found Tibetan Buddhism was for me, even though, I'd read a few Zen books.

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