Zen is Eternal Life by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett

For many people, Rev. Master Jiyu's practical manual was the first book which they read when they started to practice within the OBC. The first section, The Stem of the Lotus, covers basic Zen teachings and the necessity of developing the heart of Compassion, Love and Wisdom. This is followed by translations of some important works by Dogen and by Keizan, two of the most important figures of Japanese Zen. Rev. Master Jiyu was the Abbess of Shasta Abbey, and the founder of the OBC.

The Wild White Goose; The Diary of a Female Zen Priest by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett

Rev. Master Jiyu's diaries of the years she spent training in Japan. Rev. Master Jiyu was one of the first western women to become a Zen Master, and this book describes the depth of her own spiritual training, as well as offering a rare insight into a large Japanese Zen monastery in the 1960s.

Buddha Recognises Buddha by Rev. Master Daishin Morgan

In this advanced book for experienced practitioners, Rev Master Daishin explores the role of will, faith, hope, and cause and effect from the point of view of non-duality. How can we understand ourselves and others without dividing the world into opposites – and still find a basis for moral action? Inspired by the works of Dogen, this book takes seriously the teaching that enlightenment is an ever present reality, and that Zen meditation should be understood as an expression of enlightenment, rather than as a means to an end.

Roar of the Tigress Volume 1 by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett

The Oral Teachings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. In this first volume, Rev. Master Jiyu talks about the basic aspects of Soto Zen in her characteristic down-to-earth, practical, and good-humoured way. For those who did not have the opportunity to meet her, this book gives some of the flavour of what it was like to study with Rev. Master Jiyu.

Roar of the Tigress Volume 2 by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett

The Oral Teachings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. In this second volume, which is an advanced book for experienced practitioners, Rev. Master Jiyu talks about several chapters of Dōgen's Shōbōgenzō. Some of the talks on which the book is based where given only to the monastic community, others to both monastic and lay practitioners, but all assume that the listeners are committed to practice and have some years of experience.

A Manual of Buddhism by Narada Thera

A popular and comprehensive introduction to Buddhism by a well-known Theravadan monk. Covers the life of the Buddha and many important teachings, and includes portions of several sutras.

The Buddha and His Teachings by Narada Thera

Reprinted and republished many times since its first edition in 1964, this book covers similar ground to A Manual of Buddhism, but in much greater depth (518 pages in this edition).

The Buddha's Ancient Path by Piyadassi Thera

Written by a leading Sri Lankan Theravadan monk and scholar of the twentieth century, this book explores in detail the Buddha's central teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula

A well-respected introduction to the Buddha's teaching by a Sri Lankan Theravadan monk, first published in 1959. It gives a very detailed description of the fundamental principles of the Buddha's teaching. Also includes selected texts from the Pali Canon.

The Life of the Buddha by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli

Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli was an Englishman who was ordained as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka in 1949. He died in 1960, and his Life of the Buddha was first published in 1972. "Composed entirely of texts from the Pali canon, this unique biography presents the oldest authentic record of the Buddha's life and revolutionary philosophy. The ancient texts are rendered here in a language marked by lucidity and dignity, and a framework of narrators and voices connect the canonical texts. Vivid recollections of his personal attendant Ananda and other disciples bring the reader into the Buddha's presence, where his example offers profound inspiration and guidance on the path to freedom."

Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen's Shobo Genzo translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi et al.

The most recently published translation - very readable. "Kazuaki Tanahashi and a team of translators that represent a Who’s Who of American Zen have produced a translation of the great work that combines accuracy with a deep understanding of Dogen’s voice and literary gifts." Includes maps, lineage charts, a bibliography, and an exhaustive glossary of names and terms, plus a translation of the Fukanzazengi, “Recommending Zazen to All People.”

Master Dogen's Shobogenzo translated by Gudō Nishijima and Chodo Cross

This translation aims to stay close to the original text. Nishijima Roshi commented "I like the translation from which Master Dogen's Japanese can be guessed." The translators include copious notes, as well as several appendices. The translation, in four volumes, was first published by Windbell, and has also been published as part of the BDK English Tripiṭaka Series.

Shōbōgenzō translated by Rev. Master Hubert Nearman

Rev. Master Hubert (1931-2016) was a monk at Shasta Abbey, and carried out this translation at the request of Rev. Master Jiyu. It is subtitled A Trainee’s Translation of Great Master Dōgen’s Spiritual Masterpiece and Rev. Master Hubert writes in his introduction that "it is intended primarily for those who practice Zen Buddhism rather than those whose interest is purely academic".

Shōbōgenzō: Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma translated by The Soto Zen Text Project

The Soto Zen Text Project is an initiative of the Sōtōshū Shūmuchō that seeks to provide materials for the international study and practice of Soto Zen. The project was launched in 1996, and involves scholars and Sotoshu representatives from Japan and America. They are working on translations of several important Soto Zen texts, and the translation of the Shōbōgenzō is still ongoing. Completed chapters are available online.

Moon In A Dewdrop translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi et al.

Includes twenty of the most important fascicles of the Shōbōgenzō, together with four other important texts originally written as independent works. There is also a selection of Dogen's poetry, and extensive background materials. The Shōbōgenzō translations form the basis of those used in Tanahashi's full translation.

Enlightenment Unfolds translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi et al.

A follow-up to Moon In A Dewdrop, this book contains a further selection of Dōgen's writings, including formal and informal talks, essays, monastic rules, poems, journals and notes. The Shōbōgenzō translations included form the basis of those used in Tanahashi's full translation.

The Essential Dogen: Writings of the Great Zen Master edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt.

"This is the first book to offer the great master’s incisive wisdom in short selections taken from the whole range of his voluminous works. The pithy and powerful readings, arranged according to theme, provide a perfect introduction to Dogen—and inspire spiritual practice in people of all traditions."