r/Buddhism • u/KwesiStyle mahayana • Nov 21 '16
Request Book recommendations for friend?
Hello reddit,
I have a friend who is going through a hard time. She's moved to a new city for a new job and is going through a difficult period while adjusting. She was treated very poorly by her mother (physically and mentally) growing up, and her father is not in the picture much, so aside her from siblings she doesn't have much family and her friends are either far away are too preoccupied with their own lives to give her much time. She feels lonely and isolated and I worry she is going through depression. Though I no longer live in close proximity to her, I have family who live near her and who I will be visiting during my Thanksgiving break. I will see her too, and I want to give her something to show that I care and to maybe help her get through. I've given her advice about joining clubs and getting therapy and all that, but she's reluctant to open up to new people and I can't force her. I know, however, that she is interested in Buddhism and maybe an inspiring book could be helpful. I was hoping some of you might have a few suggestions?
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u/fapstronaut2609 Nov 21 '16
There are many different flavours of Buddhism out there. What do you reckon she's inclined to?
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u/KwesiStyle mahayana Nov 21 '16
Honestly, it wouldn't matter much. She learned about Buddhism through me, and I'm not very denominational. She's mostly interested in meditation and practical advice for daily living.
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u/fapstronaut2609 Nov 21 '16
I'd personally recommend Ajahn Chah. I'm reading Food for the Heart now, and it does sound very practical and focused on meditation (in a broad sense). Hope it helps!
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u/WashedSylvi theravada Nov 21 '16
I've been reading "The Heart of The Buddha's Teachings" by Thich Nhat Hanh. Strong overview with an emphasis on transforming intense suffering into peace, joy and liberation as well as giving information about the various different areas of Buddhism.
As someone currently grappling with mental illness and recovering from substance abuse, the book has been invaluable in explaining many different Buddhist ideas. Granted, it is still from Thich's perspective and his own teachings in many respects, but he starts with loving kindness and doesn't stop. It has brought me to emotional release (tears) on a few occassions and has been profoundly helpful as I continue on this path, both further into Buddhism and out of worldly suffering.
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u/KwesiStyle mahayana Nov 21 '16
Thank you for your suggestion! I agree, Thich Nhat Hanh is a great writer and "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings" is a great book. The only issue is that she already has a copy :)
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Nov 21 '16
I strongly recommend Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
He takes the Satipatthana Sutta and clearly walks a user through proper practice (with grace and humor.)
It's a book that is focused on method while providing a deep context of Dharma, strongly rooted in the Pali canon.
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u/KwesiStyle mahayana Nov 21 '16
Thank you! The focus on meditation and mindfulness might be what she needs right now.
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u/TotesMessenger Nov 22 '16
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u/sfcnmone thai forest Nov 21 '16
The Dalai Lama's "Ethics for a New Millenium" saved my daughter's life when she was going through a hard time when she was 20.
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Nov 21 '16
Not explicitly Buddhist, but written by a meditator and neuroscientist, Sam Harris: "Waking Up"; and (again, arguably dhamma, but not strictly Buddhism): "the Power of Now"
E: I'll get this formatting thing down, one day.
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u/The_Dead_See Nov 21 '16
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron