"Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday" is a contemporary book that draws inspiration from the core principles of Theravada Buddhism, particularly mindfulness and meditation. Authored by Matthew Sockolov, this book offers practical meditation exercises and insights aimed at reducing stress, enhancing mental well-being, and fostering a sense of inner peace in daily life.

The book aligns with the tradition's emphasis on mindfulness. It provides readers with a variety of meditation practices that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. These exercises draw from Theravada teachings, helping individuals cultivate awareness, presence, and calm amidst the challenges of modern life.

"Practicing Mindfulness" serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary well-being, making the principles of Theravada Buddhism accessible and relevant to a broader audience. It offers valuable tools for those interested in harnessing the transformative power of mindfulness in their daily lives. Without a doubt, this book is in our list of the best books on Theravada Buddhism.

Author: Matthew Sockolov

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Mindfulness-Essential-Meditations-Everyday/dp/1641521716/
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 7,282 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #11,798 in Books
#7 in Chakras (Books)
#36 in Anxiety Disorders (Books)
#50 in Meditation (Books)

"Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness" is a notable book by Sharon Salzberg, a renowned meditation teacher and practitioner. While not exclusively rooted in Theravada Buddhism, the book incorporates principles and practices central to Theravada teachings, particularly the cultivation of loving-kindness (metta) meditation.

Salzberg's book explores the transformative power of metta meditation, which emphasizes the development of boundless love and compassion for oneself and all beings. This practice aligns with the core values of Theravada Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of cultivating loving-kindness as a means to overcome suffering and attain spiritual growth.

Throughout the book, Salzberg shares practical meditation techniques and real-life examples, making the practice of loving-kindness accessible to readers from all backgrounds. "Lovingkindness" is a valuable resource for those interested in Theravada Buddhism and the practice of metta meditation. It offers guidance on how to cultivate a heart overflowing with love and compassion, leading to greater happiness and spiritual well-being.

Author: Sharon Salzberg
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Lovingkindness-Revolutionary-Happiness-Shambhala-Library/dp/1611806240/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 1,280 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #17,369 in Books
#2 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#91 in Meditation (Books)
#225 in Happiness Self-Help

"What the Buddha Taught" is a classic work by Venerable Walpola Rahula, a distinguished Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar. This book serves as an excellent introduction to Theravada Buddhism, providing readers with a clear and concise overview of its fundamental teachings and principles.

The book primarily draws from the Theravada tradition, which is known for its emphasis on the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha found in the Pali Canon. Rahula's work explores key concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the nature of suffering and impermanence.

"What the Buddha Taught" delves into the philosophical and ethical foundations of Theravada Buddhism, offering readers a deeper understanding of the Buddha's teachings. It presents these teachings in a manner accessible to both beginners and those seeking a more profound grasp of Buddhist philosophy. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Theravada Buddhism, offering essential insights into the core principles that form the bedrock of this ancient and contemplative tradition.

Author: Walpola Rahula

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1,674 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #22,463 in Books
#2 in Buddhist History (Books)
#46 in Asian History (Books)

"In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon" is a comprehensive collection edited and translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi, a respected Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar. Published in 2005, this book offers readers direct access to the teachings of the historical Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon, the oldest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures.

This anthology presents key discourses (suttas) from the Pali Canon, organized thematically to provide a systematic and coherent introduction to the Buddha's teachings. Readers can explore foundational concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, mindfulness, and ethics through the Buddha's own words.

Bhikkhu Bodhi's translations are known for their clarity and fidelity to the original texts, making this book an invaluable resource for both scholars and practitioners. "In the Buddha's Words" offers a deep dive into the core teachings of Theravada Buddhism, making it an essential read for those interested in understanding the wisdom and path to liberation as articulated by the Buddha himself.

Author: Bhikkhu Bodhi
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Buddhas-Words-Anthology-Discourses-Teachings/dp/0861714911/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 1,517 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #26,020 in Books
#3 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#3 in Buddhist Sacred Writings (Books)
#4 in Dalai Lama

"Noble Truths, Noble Path: The Heart Essence of the Buddha's Original Teachings" by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche is a concise and insightful exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—the foundational teachings of Buddhism.

In this book, Trungpa Rinpoche distills the essence of the Buddha's wisdom and presents it in a contemporary context. He emphasizes the practical application of these teachings in everyday life, highlighting their relevance for personal transformation and the alleviation of suffering.

Trungpa Rinpoche's approach is accessible and direct, making complex concepts understandable to a wide range of readers. His interpretation of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path offers a fresh perspective while staying true to the core principles of Buddhist thought.

"Noble Truths, Noble Path" is an excellent resource for those interested in delving into the heart of Buddhist teachings and applying them to modern life. It serves as a valuable guide to the path of awakening and liberation.

Author: Bhikkhu Bodhi

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Truths-Path-Teachings-Buddha/dp/1614299188/
Ratings: 4.9 out of 5 stars (from 41 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #35,529 in Books
#4 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#7 in Buddhist Sacred Writings (Books)

"Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening" by Stephen Batchelor is a thought-provoking and contemporary exploration of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Batchelor, a former Buddhist monk and a respected author, offers a secular and agnostic perspective on the teachings of the Buddha.

The book challenges traditional notions of religious dogma and beliefs, emphasizing a more pragmatic and philosophical approach to Buddhism. Batchelor encourages readers to engage with the core concepts of Buddhism, such as mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths, in a way that is compatible with a secular worldview.

Batchelor's writing invites readers to strip away cultural and religious trappings to discover the universal and timeless aspects of the Buddha's teachings. He advocates for a direct and experiential engagement with Buddhist principles, emphasizing personal inquiry and understanding over blind faith.

"Buddhism Without Beliefs" is a thought-provoking and accessible entry point for those who may be drawn to Buddhist philosophy but are hesitant about religious or supernatural elements. It encourages a contemporary and secular exploration of the path to awakening and self-discovery.

Author: Stephen Batchelor
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Without-Beliefs-Contemporary-Awakening/dp/1573226564/

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 1,293 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #38,449 in Books
#41 in Philosophy Movements (Books)
#82 in Buddhism (Books)

"The Noble Eightfold Path: Way to the End of Suffering" by Bhikkhu Bodhi is a profound and comprehensive exploration of one of the core teachings of Buddhism—the Noble Eightfold Path. Bhikkhu Bodhi, a highly regarded Theravada Buddhist monk and scholar, provides a meticulous and insightful examination of this path to spiritual awakening.

The Noble Eightfold Path is considered the Buddha's prescription for ending suffering and achieving enlightenment. It comprises eight interrelated factors: Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Bhikkhu Bodhi elucidates each aspect of the path, offering clear explanations, practical guidance, and examples for how to apply these principles in daily life.

"The Noble Eightfold Path" is a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, providing a deep and accessible exploration of the core teachings of Buddhism and offering guidance on the journey towards liberation from suffering. Bhikkhu Bodhi's authoritative and insightful commentary makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in the path of awakening.

Author: Bhikkhu Bodhi

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Eightfold-Path-Way-Suffering/dp/1681722933/
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 754 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #53,596 in Books
#111 in Buddhism (Books)

"The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a practical and accessible guide to one of the central meditation practices in Buddhism—mindfulness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. Bhante Gunaratana, a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, renowned meditation teacher, and author, presents these profound teachings in a straightforward and relatable manner.

This book provides readers with a step-by-step explanation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as outlined in the Satipatthana Sutta, a key discourse in the Pali Canon. Bhante Gunaratana's writing is clear and pragmatic, making these ancient practices relevant to modern life. Readers can learn how to cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives, developing a deeper understanding of their experiences and a greater sense of presence and inner peace.

"The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English" serves as a valuable resource for those interested in meditation, mindfulness, and Theravada Buddhism, offering a practical roadmap to greater awareness and insight. And, it became the one of the best books on Theravada Buddhism.

Author: Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Foundations-Mindfulness-Plain-English/dp/1614290385/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 215 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #76,669 in Books
#5 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#42 in Buddhist Rituals & Practice (Books)
#410 in Meditation (Books)

"Emptiness: A Practical Guide for Meditators" by Guy Armstrong is a profound exploration of the concept of emptiness (shunyata) in Buddhism and its practical application in meditation.

Guy Armstrong, a seasoned meditation teacher, brings clarity and depth to the understanding of emptiness, which is a central theme in Buddhist philosophy. He guides readers through the process of contemplating emptiness and how it relates to the impermanence of all phenomena, the nature of the self, and the experience of suffering.

This book is designed for meditators of all levels, offering practical exercises and guidance on integrating emptiness contemplation into their practice. Armstrong's approach is accessible and emphasizes experiential understanding, making the profound teachings on emptiness more accessible to modern readers.

"Emptiness: A Practical Guide for Meditators" is a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their meditation practice and explore the profound insights into the nature of reality that are central to Buddhist thought, including Theravada perspectives.

Author: Guy Armstrong

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Emptiness-Practical-Meditators-Guy-Armstrong/dp/1614295263/
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 206 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #82,730 in Books
#7 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#46 in Buddhist Rituals & Practice (Books)
#49 in Religion & Philosophy (Books)

"Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy" by Nyanaponika Thera and Hellmuth Hecker is a captivating exploration of the lives and contributions of some of the most prominent disciples of the Buddha, as documented in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This book offers a unique glimpse into the diverse personalities and remarkable stories of those who played pivotal roles in spreading the Buddha's teachings.

The authors provide biographical accounts of renowned disciples such as Sariputta, Moggallana, Ananda, Mahakassapa, and many others, highlighting their exceptional qualities and significant contributions to early Buddhism. The book delves into their personal journeys, their interactions with the Buddha, and their key roles in preserving and transmitting the Dharma.

"Great Disciples of the Buddha" is a valuable resource for those interested in Theravada Buddhism and the historical figures who shaped the tradition. It sheds light on the profound impact of these disciples and their enduring legacy in the preservation and dissemination of the Buddha's teachings, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about Buddhist history and spirituality.

Author: Nyanaponika Thera and Hellmuth Hecker
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Disciples-Buddha-Legacy-Teachings/dp/0861713818/

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (from 210 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #89,919 in Books
#8 in Theravada Buddhism (Books)
#11 in Buddhist History (Books)
#279 in Religious Leader Biographies