not your mother's Siddhartha

[raybear]

{removing the journal-ness and turning to the audience, breaking down the fourth wall}

So, I'm interested in reading a book on Buddhism. I want something that's mostly philosophical and spiritual, but has good historical backing. Nothing to New Age-y or Western, but also fairly readable. Or hell, even a good translation of original texts would possibly suffice.

Anyone have recommendations? Either specific titles or specific writers? Also any books/writers to avoid would be helpful, too. I'm obviously trying to avoid the Complete Idiot's Guide and For Dummies series. I'm not THAT hard up for information, and I'm hopefully past them anyway.

{I am now resuming my regular attempt to journal while pretending that people aren't reading this. Or something.}

Comments

[raybear.livejournal.com]

hmmm....maybe we can negotiate some sort of trade -- any books your looking for? or maybe I can send you something music related, like mixtapes of songs/albums you've been wanting?

[kisha.livejournal.com]

ohh, mixed tapes sounds lovely! Any good hip hop you have would be neat.

I'm not in NJ right now (that's where the books are), but I'll be back there in about 2 weeks. I can ship them out to you then

[raybear.livejournal.com]

cool! send me a list of artists/albums you like but don't have much of their stuff, and i'll hook you up. I like improvising, but I also don't want to send you a tape of songs you have or hate.

[kisha.livejournal.com]

Sounds good! Email me at kmunson@temple.edu and we can trade our respective info:)