"The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh is a profound exploration of Gautam Buddha's core teachings and their practical application in our everyday lives. Published in 1998, this book provides readers with valuable insights into the wisdom of the Buddha.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and revered spiritual teacher, presents the essence of Gautam Buddha's teachings in a clear and accessible manner. He delves into fundamental concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, mindfulness, and meditation, making them relatable to contemporary life. He shares Gautam Buddha's profound insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

"The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" serves as a bridge between ancient Buddhist wisdom and the challenges of the modern world. It invites readers to explore the teachings of Gautam Buddha and embark on a transformative journey toward greater mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace.

Author: Thich Nhat Hanh

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0767903692
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 6,795 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #3,404 in Books
#2 in Tibetan Buddhism (Books)
#2 in Buddhist Rituals & Practice (Books)
#3 in Philosophy Movements (Books)

"What the Buddha Taught" by Ven. Walpola Rahula is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the core teachings of Gautam Buddha. Originally published in 1959, this book has become a cornerstone text for those seeking to understand Buddhism.

Ven. Walpola Rahula, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar, present Gautam Buddha's teachings in a clear and straightforward manner. He explores key concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, impermanence, and the nature of suffering. One of the book's central themes is the emphasis on Gautam Buddha's focus on individual experience and understanding, as opposed to blind faith.

"What the Buddha Taught" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Gautam Buddha's teachings and their practical relevance to modern life. It provides a solid foundation for grasping the essence of Buddhism and the wisdom of Gautam Buddha. It's no wonder that "What the Buddha Taught" is best books on Gautama Buddha.

Author: Walpola Rahula
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802130313

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1,671 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #21,445 in Books
#2 in Buddhist History (Books)
#47 in Asian History (Books)

"In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon" is a remarkable book edited and translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi, a respected Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar. Published in 2005, this anthology provides a direct and authentic encounter with the teachings of Gautam Buddha, as found in the Pali Canon, the earliest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures.

The book compiles key discourses (suttas) attributed to Gautam Buddha, offering profound insights into his teachings on ethics, meditation, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. These suttas cover essential concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the nature of suffering and liberation.

"In the Buddha's Words" serves as a crucial resource for those seeking a direct and authentic connection to Gautam Buddha's teachings, offering timeless wisdom that continues to guide individuals on their spiritual journey towards liberation and enlightenment.

Author: Bhikkhu Bodhi

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Buddhas-Words-Anthology-Discourses-Teachings/dp/0861714911/
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1,671 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #23,426 in Books
#2 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#3 in Buddhist Sacred Writings (Books)
#5 in Dalai Lama

"Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha" is another work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, and peace activist. Published in 1991, this book presents a captivating and insightful retelling of the life of Gautam Buddha, rooted in both historical accuracy and spiritual depth.

Thich Nhat Hanh's narrative takes readers on a journey through the life of Gautam Buddha, from his birth and early years as Prince Siddhartha in his spiritual quest, enlightenment, and teachings. The book is a testament to Thich Nhat Hanh's storytelling prowess, bringing to life the ancient tales and wisdom of the Buddha.

In "Old Path White Clouds," Gautam Buddha's teachings are seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing readers with a profound understanding of his insights into suffering, compassion, and the path to awakening. Thich Nhat Hanh's approach invites readers to not only learn about Gautam Buddha's life but also to walk alongside him on his transformative journey toward enlightenment.

Author: Thich Nhat Hanh

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Path-White-Clouds-Footsteps/dp/0938077260/

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 915 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #40,875 in Books
#619 in Philosophy (Books)
#7,666 in Religion & Spirituality (Books)

"Awakening the Buddha Within" is a transformative book by Lama Surya Das, an American Tibetan Buddhist teacher. Published in 1997, this book explores the wisdom and teachings of Gautam Buddha in the context of modern life.

Lama Surya Das draws upon his own experiences and spiritual journey, as well as his deep understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, to offer readers a guide to self-discovery and enlightenment. The book encourages individuals to tap into their inner potential and wisdom, highlighting the relevance of Gautam Buddha's timeless teachings in our contemporary world.

While "Awakening the Buddha Within" is not a strict biography of Gautam Buddha, it is deeply rooted in his teachings and serves as a contemporary roadmap to understanding and embodying the wisdom of this revered spiritual figure. It invites readers to embark on their own journey of awakening, guided by the profound insights of Gautam Buddha.

Author: Lama Surya Das

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Buddha-Within-Tibetan-Western/dp/0767901576/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 883 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #138,423 in Books

#17 in Karma Buddhism

#150 in Consciousness & Thought Philosophy

#820 in Meditation (Books)

The "Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha" is a revered collection of verses that encapsulates the core teachings and ethical principles of Gautam Buddha. This timeless text is considered one of the most important and accessible works in Buddhist literature.

Composed of 423 verses, the Dhammapada addresses various aspects of life, ethics, and spirituality. These verses are attributed to Gautam Buddha himself and offer profound guidance on topics such as mindfulness, wisdom, virtue, and the path to enlightenment. The verses in the Dhammapada provide readers with insights into the nature of suffering, the impermanence of life, and the importance of cultivating a virtuous and mindful existence.

Gautam Buddha's wisdom, as presented in the Dhammapada, continues to inspire and guide people on their quest for inner peace and enlightenment. "Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha" is not only a valuable source of spiritual wisdom but also a testament to the enduring relevance of Gautam Buddha's teachings in the contemporary world.

Author: They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Sayings-Buddha-Shambhala-Classics/dp/0877739668

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 430 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #55,704 in Books
#5 in Hindu Sutras

"Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings" is a thought-provoking book by Marcus Borg, a prominent Christian theologian, and Jack Kornfield, a respected Buddhist teacher. Published in 1997, this book explores the striking similarities in the teachings of Jesus and Gautam Buddha, illuminating common threads of wisdom and spirituality.

The book juxtaposes sayings and parables attributed to Jesus from the Christian Gospels with sayings of Gautam Buddha found in the Buddhist scriptures. Through these comparisons, Borg and Kornfield highlight shared themes of compassion, mindfulness, love, and the quest for spiritual awakening.

"Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings" invites readers to explore the universal truths and ethical principles found in both Christianity and Buddhism. It offers a perspective that transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing the common ground between these two spiritual traditions. By drawing parallels between Jesus and Gautam Buddha, the book encourages a deeper understanding of the shared human quest for inner transformation and enlightenment.

Author: Marcus Borg

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Buddha-Parallel-Sayings-Seastone/dp/1569751692/

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 404 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #370,739 in Books
#111 in Buddhist Sacred Writings (Books)
#417 in Comparative Religion (Books)
#562 in Christology (Books)

"Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of The Awakened One" is an enlightening book by Vishvapani Blomfield, published in 2011. This comprehensive biography provides readers with a deep understanding of the life, spiritual journey, and teachings of Gautam Buddha.

Blomfield's narrative delves into the historical and cultural context of ancient India, where Prince Siddhartha (later known as Gautam Buddha) lived and embarked on his quest for enlightenment. The book traces Siddhartha's life from his princely upbringing to his profound awakening under the Bodhi tree. The biography skillfully weaves Gautam Buddha's teachings into the narrative, offering insights into the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other fundamental aspects of Buddhism.

"Gautama Buddha: The Life and Teachings of The Awakened One" serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the life and legacy of Gautam Buddha. It provides a vivid and engaging account of his journey towards enlightenment and his timeless teachings that continue to inspire seekers of truth and wisdom.

Author: Vishvapani Blomfield

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Gautama-Buddha-Life-Teachings-Awakened/dp/0857388304/

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 133 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,359,530 in Books #439 in Buddhist History (Books)
#6,887 in Religious Leader Biographies

"The Buddha: A Short Biography" is a concise yet insightful book authored by John S. Strong. Published in 2001, this book offers a brief but comprehensive overview of the life, teachings, and historical context of Gautam Buddha.

John S. Strong, a distinguished scholar of Buddhism, draws upon historical sources and modern scholarship to present a clear and accessible account of Gautam Buddha's life. He explores the social, religious, and cultural milieu of ancient India, where Siddhartha Gautama lived and eventually became the Buddha.

The biography delves into key episodes of Gautam Buddha's life, including his renunciation of worldly life, his spiritual quest, enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and his subsequent teachings. Strong also provides valuable insights into the development of Buddhism as a major world religion.

While "The Buddha: A Short Biography" is a relatively brief work, it offers a solid foundation for understanding the life and impact of Gautam Buddha. It serves as an excellent starting point for readers interested in exploring the historical and spiritual dimensions of Buddhism.

Author: John S. Strong

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Short-Biography-Oneworld-Guides/dp/1851682562/

Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars (from 8 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,783,539 in Books
#9,091 in Religious Leader Biographies