|
I like the "Bhagavad Gita", but I can't really suggest which translation to head for. It is not a Buddhist text, actually, but it does have some excellent reading on various form of Yogic meditation, including the Yoga of action.
For Zen Buddhist texts, I trust "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones" and "Gateless Gate". Both are quite good, though ZFZB has excerpts from GG.
Barnes and Nobles locally has "A Buddhist Handbook" on the bargain rack. It's a tolerably good basic intro to Buddhism mostly from the perspective of India. It does include info on Chan and Zen, but goes more into Mahayana and the various native sects of Buddhism.
You would also do well to check out "Siddharta Gautama" by Hesse. It is a classic novel presenting a version of the story of the Buddha. It is a relatively quick read, and I found it very engaging. It presents an accurate enough portrayal of his life and times, and is an excellent doorway into the founder of the movement.
|