Walking the Wall

For some reason I didn’t keep track of my non-fiction books read, although a few got put in here and there, so I’m going to list them here in no particular order:

1. Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron.
2. Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chodron. This is an excellent book that I need to sit down and write some thoughts on, I got a lot out of this book.
3. The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness by Pema Chodron. Another book I need to write some thoughts on.
4. When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. I listened to this book on m iPod and greatly enjoyed it, Chodron’s speaking voice is fantastic, so laid back, so earthy and funny and real. I was really called to her books because of that sense of reality–she lives in a real world with real problems and just does the best she can.
5. Handbook for Mankind by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. I love the front cover text: "A forbidden reading for those who never asked themselves: Why were we born? What are we living for? Where is the value and meaning in life?" I think this is one of the best books on the core principles of Buddhism. Venerable Buddhadasa writes: "Although someone may say there is Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc., when he has penetrated to the essential nature of his religion, he will regard all religions as being the same."
6. Essential Teachings by the Dalai Lama. I didn’t find most of this book particularly helpful, although I got a great deal out of the first 11 pages. I did, however, enjoy reading it and I do think he has such an incredibly intelligent and gentle voice.