What are good books on Buddhism for beginners?

I'm interested in the Buddhist religion (after much seeking, I feel it resonates to me the best), what are some good books on Buddhism for those just starting out? I feel specifically tied to Quan Yin, is there a specific sect that is devoted to her and her teachings?|||An excellent introductory book is "It's Easier Than You Think" by Sylvia Boorstein. This short book discusses how the ancient foundations of Buddhism apply in everyday modern life. It's non-sectarian and avoids jargon - great qualities when you're starting out.





Despite the title, "Buddhism for Dummies" is a read. Although it lacks the warmth and wisdoom of "It's Easier," it does provide a thorough overview of Buddhism.





The Mahayana tradition of Buddhism places emphasis on Guanyin and the other bodhisattvas. Within the vast Mahayana tradition, the Tibetan Buddhist and Zen Buddhist schools probably focus more on Guanyin than the others (although this will vary within each sect, according to the emphasis of a given teacher).|||I have always really enjoyed Thich Nhat Hanh's books.





Early in my journey I read Old Paths, White Clouds which is the life story and teachings of Buddha.|||Buddhism for Dummies started me out and I went with some of the recommended books afterward.|||It's better if you try Theravada|||Here ya go,





BUDHISM


Gautama Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. His original name was Siddharth (meaning one who has accomplished). He was also called Sakyamuni, i.e. the sage of the tribe of Sakya. He was born in the year 563 B.C. in the village of Lumbini near Kapila Vastu, within the present borders of Nepal.


According to legend, an astrologer foretold his father, the king, that young Gautama would give up the throne and luxury and renounce the world the day he would see four things (i) an old man, (ii) a sick man, (iii) a diseased man and (iv) a dead man. Hence, the king confined Gautama in a special palace which was provided with all worldly pleasures. He was married at the age of sixteen to Yasoddhra.


At the age of 29 after the birth of his first son, Gautama on the same day saw an old man, a sick man, a diseased man and a dead man. The impact of the dark side of life made him renounce the world that same night and he left his wife and son and became a penniless wanderer.


He studied and practised Hindu discipline initally, and later, Jainism. For several years he observed rigorous fasting along with extreme self-mortification. On realising that tormenting his body did not bring him closer to true wisdom, he resumed eating normally and abandoned asceticism.


At the age of 35, one evening as he sat beneath a giant fig tree (Bodh tree), he felt that he had found the solution to his problem and felt that he had attained enlightenment. Thus, he came to be known as 鈥楪autama鈥? 鈥楾he Buddha鈥? or 'The Enlightened One'.


Later, he spent 45 years in preaching the truth that he felt he had discovered. He travelled from city to city bare-footed, clean-headed, with nothing more on his self than his saffron robe, walking stick and begging bowl. He died at the age of 80 in the year 483 BC.


Buddhism is divided into two sects viz. Hinayana and Mahayana.





I


BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES:





Historical criticism has proved that the original teachings of Buddha can never be known. It seems that Gautama Buddha鈥檚 teachings were memorized by his disciples. After Buddha鈥檚 death a council was held at Rajagaha so that the words of Buddha could be recited and agreed upon. There were differences of opinion and conflicting memories in the council. Opinion of Kayshapa and Ananda who were prominent disciples of Buddha were given preference. A hundred years later, a second council at Vesali was held. Only after 400 years, after the death of Buddha were his teachings and doctrines written down. Little attention was paid regarding its authenticity, genuineness and purity.


Buddhist Scriptures can be divided into Pali and Sanskrit Literature:





A.


Pali Literature :





The Pali literature was monopolized by the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.


Tri Pitaka


The most important of all Buddhist scriptures is the TRI-PITAKA which is in Pali text. It is supposed to be the earliest recorded Buddhist literature which was written in the 1st Century B.C.


The TRI-PITAKA or Three Baskets of law is composed of 3 books:





1.


Vinaya Pitaka: 鈥楻ules of Conduct鈥?br>




his is a boTok of discipline and mainly deals with rules of the order.





2.


Sutta Pitaka: 鈥楧iscourses鈥?br>




It is a collection of sermons and discourses of Gautama Buddha and the incidents in his life. It is the most important Pitaka and consists of five divisions known as Nikayas. Dhammapada is the most famous Pali literature and contains aphorisms and short statements covering the truth.





3.


Abhidhamma: 鈥楢nalysis of Doctrine鈥?br>




This third basket contains meta physical doctrines and is known as Buddhist meta physicals. It is an analytical and logical elaboration of the first two pitakas. It contains analysis and exposition of Buddhist doctrine.





B.


Sanskrit Literature:





Sanskrit literature was preferred by the Mahayana. Sanskrit literature has not been reduced to a collection or in Cannon like the Pali literature. Thus much of the original Sanskrit literature has been lost. Some were translated into other languages like Chinese and are now being re-translated into Sanskrit.





1.


Maha vastu: 鈥楽ublime Story鈥?br>




Mahavastu is the most famous work in Sanskrit which has been restored from its Chinese translation. It consists of voluminous collection of legendary stories.





2.


Lalitavistara





Lalitavistara is one of the holiest of the Sanskrit literature. It belongs to the first century C.E., 500 years after the death of Buddha. It contains the miracles which the superstition loving people have attributed to Buddha.





II


TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA:





A.


Noble Truths:





The principal teachings of Gautama Buddha can be summarised in what the Buddhists call the 鈥楩our Noble Truths鈥?


First 鈥?There is suffering and misery in life .


Second 鈥?The cause of this suffering and misery is desire.


Third 鈥?Suffering and misery can be removed by removing desire.


Fourth 鈥?Desire can be removed by following the Eight Fold