Books - ZenRiots

The 12-Step Buddhist

In “The 12-Step Buddhist,” author Darren Littlejohn provides a comprehensive and practical guide that seamlessly merges the wisdom of Buddhist philosophy with the foundational principles of the 12-Step program. The book’s central premise is that combining these two powerful frameworks can significantly enhance the recovery journey. Littlejohn, drawing from his own experience in recovery, argues…

Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird

“Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird” by Robert Aitken, Roshi, is a unique and poetic guide to the principles of Zen Buddhism. In this book, Aitken uses the metaphor of a wise old raven to impart profound lessons on mindfulness, compassion, and the nature of the mind. The raven, a common…

Teachings of the Buddha

Edited by renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield, “Teachings of the Buddha” is a comprehensive and accessible anthology of the most profound and essential Buddhist teachings. The book is not a single narrative but a curated collection of texts from the Pali Canon, the foundational scriptures of Buddhism. Kornfield carefully selects and organizes these teachings to…

No Time to Lose

In “No Time to Lose,” acclaimed Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön offers a profoundly relevant and accessible commentary on the ancient text, The Way of the Bodhisattva. The book serves as a powerful guide for navigating the difficulties of modern life by embracing the path of a bodhisattva—an individual who commits to living with courage and…

Love Your Enemies

In “Love Your Enemies,” meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman offer a profound and practical guide to transforming one of the most destructive human emotions: anger. Drawing on ancient Buddhist wisdom and modern psychological insights, the authors argue that anger is not an external force that strikes us, but a habit of the mind…

An Introduction to Buddhism by The Dalai Lama

In “An Introduction to Buddhism,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama offers a concise and accessible guide to the core principles of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The book is not a historical account but a spiritual and ethical handbook, intended to provide a clear path for living a more meaningful life. The Dalai Lama distills the…

The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace

In “The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace,” renowned meditation teacher and psychologist Jack Kornfield offers a compassionate and practical guide to the deep work of healing. Drawing from Buddhist psychology and timeless spiritual traditions, Kornfield explores the interconnected practices of forgiveness, lovingkindness (Metta), and inner peace. He teaches that these are not abstract ideals…

The Addiction Recovery Workbook

“The Addiction Recovery Workbook” by Linda Hill is a practical, hands-on guide designed to equip individuals with the essential skills needed for a successful and lasting recovery. Unlike books that delve into the theory of addiction, this workbook is focused on action, providing a structured framework of exercises and activities to help people overcome addiction…

The Biology of Desire

In “The Biology of Desire,” neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis, PhD, presents a groundbreaking and compassionate challenge to the long-held “disease model” of addiction. Drawing on his personal experience and decades of research, Lewis argues that addiction is not a chronic, incurable brain disease but rather a profoundly powerful form of learning and development….

The Book of Self-Mastery: Quotes

“The Book of Self-Mastery: Quotes” is a powerful and inspiring collection of timeless wisdom compiled by the “Designing the Mind” project. Rather than presenting a linear narrative or a single therapeutic program, the book serves as a compendium of profound insights from a diverse range of philosophers, thinkers, and historical figures. The quotes are centered…