Reading guides
Editor's notes on the texts in the library — what to read first, which translations are worth your time, and how to approach each book.
-
Where to Start with the Eastern Classics
A beginner's reading order for the five great Indian and Chinese classics — which to read first, how long each takes, and which translation to use. All five are free to read in full here.
-
Which Bhagavad Gita translation should you read?
A guide to the major English translations of the Gita — public-domain and modern — with a recommendation for where to start.
-
What the Bhagavad Gita is about — a beginner's guide
A plain-English explainer of the Bhagavad Gita — the story, the central dilemma, and the key ideas (dharma, the three paths of yoga, and acting without attachment to results).
-
Where to start with the Dhammapada
A short guide to reading the Buddha's most-loved book — which translation to use, what to read first, and how to read it.
-
The key teachings of the Dhammapada
A plain-English explainer of the Dhammapada — the Buddha's best-loved book of verses, and what it actually teaches about the mind, craving, impermanence, and the path.
-
The Tao Te Ching in English — a guide to the translations
The Tao Te Ching has been translated into English more often than any other book except the Bible. A short guide to the major versions and how to choose.
-
What the Tao Te Ching is about — key ideas and themes
A plain-English explainer of the Tao Te Ching — what the Tao is, the meaning of wu wei (effortless action), and the core themes of Laozi's classic of Daoist wisdom.
-
How to read the Analects of Confucius
A practical guide to the most influential book in Chinese history — which translation to read, in what order, and how to handle its strangeness.
-
The key ideas of Confucius — a guide to the Analects
A plain-English explainer of the central ideas in the Analects of Confucius — ren (humaneness), li (ritual propriety), the junzi (the exemplary person), filial piety, and the Confucian Golden Rule.
-
Sūnzǐ's Art of War — which translation is the right one?
The Art of War has been translated into English more than fifty times. A short guide to the versions that matter and how to choose.
-
The Art of War — a summary of its key lessons
A plain-English summary of Sun Tzu's Art of War — the thirteen chapters, the five fundamental factors, and the core principles (know your enemy, win without fighting, all warfare is deception).
-
How to introduce Hindu mythology to your kids
A parent's guide to introducing children to Hindu mythology — which stories to start with, the right book for each age, and how to handle the gods, the epics, and the harder parts honestly.
-
Where to start with Buddhist books for children, by age
A parent's guide to introducing children to Buddhism through books — the right title for each age from 3 to 12, covering mindfulness, the life of the Buddha, the Jataka tales, and the quiet Zen picture books.
-
How to teach kids compassion with stories
Why story works better than instruction for teaching children kindness and compassion — and the Buddhist Jataka tales and Zen parables that show compassion in action rather than preaching it.