is the Foremost author of easily applicable Buddhist wisdom today for all levels of practitioners , definitely the widest spectrum of teachings. i started with a tape set of "When Things Fall Apart".. I was a hopeless alcoholic, I listened to it twice a day, also got her Tonglin books/tapes, and many other teachers. I began a dedicated meditation practice and study, I was in Texas, not many Buddhists. after 3 months I ran into a Tibetan Monk in his robes, he invited me to a Mandela disassembly, and later to join a Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center. I am now sober 16 years, never had a craving, I never think about it. other authors are more subject specific.. not that that is bad, I have books from most the authors mentioned here.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_4?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=pema%20chodron
depends on what you are looking for... technique, method, insight, inspiration.
book on meditation.. 'Diamond Mind' by Rob Narin and the best/most in depth is 'Buddhism With an Attitude', by B Allen Wallace http://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Attitude-Tibetan-Seven-Point-Training/dp/1559392002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360973044&sr=1-1&keywords=buddhism+with+an+attitude
books by him, is the Dalia Lama's translator.. http://www.amazon.com/B.-Alan-Wallace/e/B001IGHPQ2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Buddhism is not a religion, it is simply a way to live without acquiring more bad Karma while you train your mind to focus and see/experience life in the present moment. the Heart Sutra is the primary document in the Mahayana Tradition. it describes the purpose of meditation.. to be able to perceive the world with no difference between Object and Subject. Buddhism is based on a single simple logical statement called the 4 Noble Truths
go to http://www.buddhanet.net [Theravada Buddhism] huge site, check out the Buddhanet Audio section, great way to sample teachers, great teachings,
Lama Zopa's site has great audio teachings too
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