Hi everyone. I have just started the path to enlightenment by reading Buddhist/Taoist books. I am currently reading a book from a speech given by the Dali Lama in England. It's just the fundamentals of the teachings really. I've also heard that the Tao of Pooh is a good starting point as well. Anybody have any suggestions on those or any other recommended readings?

The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet are good starting points for western readers interested in Taoism. The Tao Te Ching is the heart and soul of Taoism, invest in a copy of it. Might i also suggest all works by Eva Wong and Thomas Cleary, you can find many of their works in your local library or through Shambahala publications. Some of my personal favorites are by Lieh tzu, Wen tzu, Chuang tzu and Huang Ti otherwise known as the yellow emperor. These will help you get an introduction to Taoism. As to buddhist texts might i suggest consulting a buddhist or buddhist temple. Remeber Taoism and Buddhism are two different Asian faiths and philosophies. One must keep this in mind when taking care to study both.

While its not strictly Tao or Buddhist, I really enjoyed
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Milman.

Good stuff.

Hello Opus. There have been many translations of the Tao Te Ching. You may find Steven Mitchell's translation to be one of the more accessible entry points into Taoism. It includes footnotes, if I remember correctly.

"Zen mind, Beginner's Mind" would serve you well if you find yourself drawn to Zen Buddhism and sitting meditation, or zazen.


Reading the simple straightforward words of the Dali Lama is wonderful for getting a feel for Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhism in general.

Finally, a friendly opinion. The books, teachings, and the traditions themselves exist to serve as no more than guideposts leading to personal experience. As is said in the first line of the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching, "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the real Tao." Be well.

OHM

the dhamapada would be required reading
http://www.serve.com/cmtan/Dhammapada/

don't get too hung up on every little thing, if something rings true for you you'll know it.

there are other translations of this available elsewhere

Anything from Allan Watts. His audiobook presentations are particularly enlightening as well as entertaining.