It seems that each year another 50 books are published about Buddhism and Zen. With the ever widening division of schools and sects it can be hard to sift through what’s worthy of your attention and what is not. These books were chosen by Jake Gage, Roshi and represent solid contributions to the study of zen.

Amazon Books: Zen Buddhism, etc

Beginning:
On Zen Practice: Body, Breath, Mind by Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi, Roshi
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, Roshi
Buddhism, Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken, Roshi
Shambala Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion
A Lamp unto Ourselves by Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Roshi
Top Gun Zen by Barry Kaigen McMahon, Roshi

Intermediate:
Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor
Opening the Hand of Thought by Kosho Uchiyama
Thoughts Without a Thinker by Mark Epstein
Mind of Clover by Robert Aitken, Roshi
Instructions to the Cook by Roshi Bernie Glassman and Rick Fields
Just Sitting edited by John Daido Loori, Roshi
Appreciate Your Life by Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi, Roshi

Advanced:
Moon In A Dewdrop by Eihei Dogen Zenji and Kazuaki Tanahashi
Cultivating the Empty Field by Zen Master Hongzhi
Verses From the Center by Stephen Batchelor
Essence of the Heart Sutra by the Dalai Lama
The Teachings of Bodhidharma by Red Pine
The Diamond Sutra and the Sutra of Hui-Neng by A.F. Price, et al