Five most important books about Buddha, written by a Rinpoche or a Buddhist monk

1. "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche: 

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan Buddhist teachings on death and dying, and provides practical guidance on how to care for the dying and how to help them prepare for death.

"The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche is a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan Buddhist teachings on death and dying, and provides practical guidance on how to care for the dying and how to help them prepare for death. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Tibetan understanding of the nature of consciousness and the cycle of life and death, the process of dying and the various stages of the bardos (intermediate states after death), and how to use the practice of meditation to transform the mind and prepare for death. The book also includes stories and teachings from Tibetan masters, as well as practical advice for caregivers and those facing death themselves. The overall message of the book is that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new phase of life, and that by understanding and preparing for death, we can learn to live more fully and with greater meaning and purpose.

2."The Tibetan Book of the Dead" (also known as "The Bardo Thodol"):

This ancient Tibetan text is a guide for the soul during the interval between death and rebirth, and is considered a classic of Buddhist literature. It offers teachings on the nature of consciousness, the process of death and dying, and the various realms of existence.

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead" (also known as "The Bardo Thodol") is an ancient Tibetan text that serves as a guide for the soul during the interval between death and rebirth. It is considered a classic of Buddhist literature and is traditionally read to the dying or recently deceased as a means of helping them navigate the process of death and transition to the next realm of existence. The text is divided into three main sections, corresponding to the three bardos (intermediate states) of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition: the bardo of this life, the bardo of dying, and the bardo of the great beyond. Each of these sections includes teachings on the nature of consciousness, the signs and experiences that occur during the bardo, and the practices and prayers that can be used to transform the mind and achieve a positive rebirth. The overall message of the text is that the bardos are opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation, and that by understanding and using the teachings of the book, one can learn to approach death with fearlessness and wisdom.

3. "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki: 

This book is a classic introduction to Zen Buddhism, and offers insights into the nature of mindfulness and the importance of cultivating a beginner's mind in the practice of meditation.

"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki is a classic introduction to Zen Buddhism and the practice of meditation. The book is based on a series of talks given by Suzuki Roshi, a Zen master, to his students at the Zen Mountain Center in California. In the book, Suzuki Roshi emphasizes the importance of cultivating a "beginner's mind" in the practice of Zen, which involves letting go of preconceptions and approaching each moment with openness and curiosity. He also explores the concept of "mushin," or "mind without mind," which refers to a state of open-hearted awareness that is free from the ego and its attachments. Through a series of stories and teachings, Suzuki Roshi offers insights into the nature of mindfulness and the benefits of cultivating a Zen practice. The book is written in a simple and accessible style, and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced practitioners.

4. "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh: 

This book is a concise introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of interbeing. It is written in a clear and accessible style, and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced practitioners.

"The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh is a concise introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of interbeing, which refers to the interconnectedness of all things. Thich Nhat Hanh writes in a clear and accessible style, and illustrates the teachings with stories and examples from daily life. The book is suitable for both beginners and more experienced practitioners, and is designed to help readers understand and apply the Buddha's teachings to their own lives. The overall message of the book is that through the practice of mindfulness and the cultivation of compassion, we can transform our suffering and find true happiness.

5. "The Way of Freedom - Tibetan Buddhism" by Dalai Lama: 

In this book, the Dalai Lama provides an overview of Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices, and offers insights into the nature of the mind and the path to enlightenment.

"The Way of Tibetan Buddhism" by Dalai Lama is a book that provides an overview of Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices. In the book, the Dalai Lama discusses the fundamental principles of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of emptiness. He also covers topics such as the Tibetan understanding of the nature of the mind, the importance of compassion, and the role of the guru in the spiritual path. The book includes teachings on various Tibetan Buddhist practices, such as meditation, tantra, and the development of compassion. The overall message of the book is that through the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, we can cultivate a more peaceful and compassionate mind and find lasting happiness and fulfillment.