Dzogchen Essentials: The Path that Clarifies Confusion by Padmasambhava, Translated by Marcia Binder Schmidt

Both Tibetan Buddhism and Bon consider Dzogchen the natural, primordial state of unconditioned wakefulness. Practiced by both schools of thought, Dzogchen is seen as the most direct path to enlightenment. While there is some source text contained in Dzogchen Essentials, it is primarily a collection of treatises and essays by monks and scholars about their interpretation of the Dzogchen teachings. Regardless of it's lack of source material, Dzogchen Essentials offers the western mind a rare glimpse inside of an ancient school of enlightened beings. If you've never heard of Dzogchen, or have heard of it and find it fascinating, this book will surely leave you in a better place than before you read it.

The Tibetan Yogas of Dream & Sleep by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

While most westerns are familiar with yoga and sleep, few see them in the same light. Ordained as both a Buddhist and Bon monk, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche explains the concept of dream yoga with an expertise and sincerity never before seen in the west. While most of us in the west see sleeping and dreaming a regenerative, Wangyal Rinpoche illuminates the aspect of progressing and edifying our consciousness as we sleep. Through carefully worded exercises and examinations of concepts, Wangyal Rinpoche explains these esoteric practices so that those of us who are not ordained as monks can garner positive experiences from our daily and nightly lives.

The Art of Happiness by H.H. The Dalai Lama

Despite what society may sell you to believe, happiness is not attained through material goods, but rather is an attitude that is cultivated and sustained. His Holiness the Dalai Lama sits down with western psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler to discuss the concept of happiness, as it pertains to the modern occidental inhabitant. The book is a great introduction to the pragmatism of Buddhism and its relentless analysis of consciousness. Not steeped in esoteric phrasings or instruction, this book is truly an "easy" read from beginning to end. The knowledge contained is perfect for the western mind searching for a way out of the suffocating fog of modern life.

Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh is a call to awakening for mankind. A peaceful, gentle, compassionate articulation of the need for mankind to rest in inner peace before the world continues to destroy itself Being Peace is Hanh's bestselling work. Drawing on his Buddhist background, Master Hanh is famous for being nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King for the Nobel Peace Prize, as well as authoring over 60 volumes on Buddhism that have been translated in hundreds of languages throughout the world. A short, but thoughtful and insightful read, Being Peace is a great introduction to Buddhist ideals, and storehouse of broad wisdom for people of any background.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead with Commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the seminal work on Tibetan Buddhism. First translated into English in the mid 20th Century, this revised edition is the first FULL version of the text ever translated into English. The sacred scriptures focus on Death as the vehicle for release from Samsara--endless suffering--into ultimate liberation in the nature of Buddha Mind. The Tibetan Book of the Dead calls on serious practitioners of the eightfold path to take the Bodhisattva stance to liberate all sentient beings from suffering and place them on the level of perfect enlightenment. The text can be seen as a manual for practice, offering mantras, mandala meditation, Phowa practice, and more, while continually stressing the importance of receiving true instruction from a Guru or Master. Following the ideas of compassion, mindfulness, right speech, and right action, The Tibetan Book of the Dead is an essential manual for any serious student of spirituality or Buddhism.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is the classic interpretation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, as examined by reincarnated Master Sogyal Rinpoche from Tibet. Often heralded as the most accessible investigation of the text, the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying's storytelling prose and heartfelt erudition of these ancient teachings deeply elaborates on key Vajrayana Buddhist concepts such as meditation, mindfulness, Phowa practice, and the Guru-Disciple relationship. The heart of the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying focuses on Tibetan Dream Yoga and Phowa practice as a way to incorporate death into our everyday lives in order to obtain ultimate liberation and freedom. Stressing the importance of lineage, adherence to the Eightfold Path, and understanding of the Four-Noble truths, the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying draws on the ancient tradition which brought the Dalai Lama to the Western World in hopes for an end to world-wide suffering.