Books - ZenRiots

No Time Like the Present

In “No Time Like the Present,” renowned meditation teacher and psychologist Jack Kornfield offers a compassionate and insightful guide to finding true freedom, love, and joy in the present moment. The book is based on the powerful Buddhist principle that happiness is not a destination to be reached, but a state of being that can…

In “My Spiritual Journey,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a rare and intimate look at his personal life and beliefs, providing a powerful complement to his more formal teachings. This book is a spiritual autobiography, where the Dalai Lama reflects on the extraordinary circumstances of his life—from his youth as the spiritual leader of…

Mindfulness in Action

“Mindfulness in Action” by the renowned Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa is a powerful and practical guide to integrating mindfulness into every aspect of life. The book’s central theme, as its subtitle suggests, is “Making Friends with Yourself through Meditation and Everyday Awareness.” Trungpa teaches that mindfulness is not a passive activity reserved for formal meditation,…

If the Buddha Married

In “If the Buddha Married,” psychologist and author Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D., explores the profound intersection of Buddhist wisdom and the complexities of modern relationships. The book is based on the premise that a spiritual path is not something separate from our relationships, but that our partnerships can be a powerful and direct path to growth…

Confession of a Buddhist Atheist

In “Confession of a Buddhist Atheist,” Stephen Batchelor, a former monk and a leading voice in Western Buddhism, presents a radical and deeply personal re-evaluation of the Buddhist tradition. Batchelor’s core argument is that the original teachings of the Buddha were not based on supernatural beliefs or a dogmatic system, but on a practical, ethical,…

The Collected Works of Chögyam Trungpa, Volume Ten

“The Collected Works of Chögyam Trungpa, Volume Ten” is an extraordinary collection of teachings from one of the most influential Buddhist masters of the 20th century. This volume, subtitled “Work, Sex, Money, Mindfulness in Action, Devotion and Crazy Wisdom,” is particularly relevant for those navigating the complexities of modern life. Rather than encouraging a monastic…

Bringing Home the Dharma

In “Bringing Home the Dharma,” renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield offers a practical and compassionate guide to integrating spiritual practice into the fabric of everyday life. The book’s central theme is captured in its subtitle, “Awakening Right Where You Are.” Kornfield teaches that we don’t need to retreat to a monastery or seek extraordinary experiences…

Bring Me the Rhinoceros

In “Bring Me the Rhinoceros,” Zen teacher John Tarrant presents a compelling and accessible guide to the world of Zen koans—the famous paradoxical riddles that challenge conventional thinking. The book’s title comes from a classic koan, which Tarrant uses as a central metaphor for facing life’s seemingly impossible problems. Tarrant’s core argument is that these…

Advice on Dying

In “Advice on Dying,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a profound and compassionate guide that, despite its title, is fundamentally about how to live a better life. Drawing on ancient Tibetan Buddhist teachings, the Dalai Lama explains the process of death and dying not as a morbid or fearful subject, but as a central…

The Accidental Buddhist

In “The Accidental Buddhist,” author Dinty W. Moore takes readers on a humorous, heartfelt, and highly relatable journey into the world of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The book is a memoir that recounts Moore’s personal quest to find inner peace and a sense of purpose in his chaotic, everyday life. Moore, a skeptic by nature,…