Zen:
“Here it is–right now. Start thinking about it and you miss it.” – Huang Po
These are books on Zen I’d recommend:
Following book is a good introduction into Buddhism & Zen:
If you are curious about Hwadu—which basically means self-inquiry in the Zen tradition—I recommend reading this one:
This book features conversations and teachings from Zen Master Seung Sahn. Stripped of concepts, its single message is: WAKE UP.
A great, lesser-known book. The author is also the compiler of the Blue Cliff Record.
My favorite Zen book:
Advaita & Other:
The whole teaching of Advaita is included in this “simple” statement: «Brahman is the only Reality, the world is non-real, and “That thou art” (Tat tvam asi)». – Raphael
Many years ago, one of my teachers recommended a book to me that had a lasting impact on my life. Where Zen is about waking up right now in this moment, I found teachings such as Advaita Vedanta quite helpful in establishing some kind of structure to the whole endeavor of self-realization. Here, I do not only want to share the book title with you, I also want to humbly introduce you to all of the writings of the author of that book: Raphael.
Raphael was an Italian initiate, philosopher, and master who dedicated his life to translating, commenting on, and teaching ancient metaphysical traditions—from Advaita Vedanta to Hermeticism and Classical Greek philosophy, with a strong emphasis on realizing the unconditioned Absolute. Humbled by the sheer uncompromising straightforwardness with which he wrote his books, I feel grateful to have been introduced to his teachings.
If you are interested, I’d recommend getting the same book that was recommended to me:
More recommendations:
This short yet comprehensive book consists of two parts. The first part is a transcript of Q&A sessions from past meetings, while the second part contains aphorisms that ascend higher and higher into transcendent realms. Reading the second part alone provides all the knowledge you need:
This book serves as a manual for the Way of Fire, drawing from three distinct traditions: Alchemy, the philosophy of Plato and Plotinus, and what Advaita Vedanta calls Asparsa—the direct way without crutches:
If you are entangled with politics, this book is like a really strong medicine:
However, there are many more books available—I have studied all of them, many times—and if you find one particularly interesting, I can wholeheartedly recommend getting it.
*Please note: These are not affiliate links. I don’t get anything if you buy them. I just wholeheartedly recommend them.