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Originally Posted by MuadDib
I didn't read all the previous posts, but I've found 'The Three Pillars of Zen' to be the best general primer. I think its regarded as *the* introduction book.
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I'm not familiar with this book, but it should be noted that Zen is a particular school of buddhism and differs slightly from other schools in its approach.
This may be a fine book, but you ultimately want to find materials that teach the fundamental elements of Buddhist philosophy, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, pratitya samutpada, the five precepts, the five skandhas, and the three dharma seals: non-self, impermanence, and dukkha.
I would say that the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, in addition to the three dharma seals, are especially crucial to even a completely secular approach to buddhism. I've recommended the
Dhammapada because these are all covered in the very teachings of Gautama Buddha himself. It cuts to the source.
It will, however, be entirely beneficial to also get a book that discusses these concepts in detail, which is where a book such as
The Three Pillars of Zen likely comes in.