Buddhist writings

[StickyChron]

Does anyone know a website where I can deepen my understanding of Buddhist teachings through reading their sacred text?

Is there a good book or manuscript that someone would suggest starting my investigation with?

I've done a lot of reading on general spirituality and meditation, however I haven't really gone deep into Buddhist teachings. The farthest I've gone is reading The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.

Help a brotha out!

 

[Vurtual]

I found giving myself some historical context for buddhism rather than jumping in with one sect's writings and practices was helpful - Karen Armstrong's book on Buddha i thought was a nice overview from a non-buddhist viewpoint (but sympathetic) (buddhists may disagree).

 

[Chakakali]

When you read sacred texts somethings its hard to comprehend it. Talking to a legit buddhist or practitioner will help you get a better understanding, in my opinion.

 

[Vurtual]

There are various sects of buddhism though, so i'd want to get an overview of them all before going to one in particular that might skew your view of it. Eg i prefer mahayana type buddhism to therevada personally, and therevada might have put me off if i went there first.

 

[StickyChron]

Mahayana is definitely the branch I'm most interested in, specifically the Vajrayana teachings of Tibet and Mongolia.

I like the Zen aspects of Mahayana and I like that they respect the "Three Vehicles" or major branch teachings of Buddha.

I guess I should have been more clear, I have a good understanding of the basics of the faith, I haven't gone as far as to actually read their text and try to integrate them into my life. Does anyone know of any translated text from the Vajrayana that are available for free online? I honestly haven't even tried looking but as Vurtual said, I would like to have a logical starting place instead of just diving in.