book recommendations: Buddhism and/or Taoism?

Looking for some good books to check out regarding the two, uh, religions. Thanks in advance.
Dr. Dorris, it was nice of you to put your ignorance on display and tip me off on who to ignore on here!
Lil @ The Bibull. If you plan on answering with pro-Christianity stupidity.. don't.
Jojy, I'm interested in seeing what OTHER people have read and would recommend. Damn, what is with you people this morning? Lil

those aren't religions. there cults who need Jesus in there lives.

if u come in for some good christian counseling, i can help u prevent Ur obvious gayness.

The bible

Why dint you just go ogle them on line. There's all the info you would need on those religions and its only a click away. And its free.

Look under Pagan religions.

The Tao Te Ching (Dao De Ching) is a good book for Taoism.

depends on which sect/ what kind of Buddhism interests you the most. Well known writers range from Alan Watts and Dwight Goodard to the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman. There's also a well known writer called Lama Surya Das. If you let me know what parts your most interested in, I can make some definite suggestions.

There are less to give with Taoism. Buddhism makes you think in circle.

Zen Christianity - commonalities between Zen Buddhism and generalized X-sanity
Tales of a Taoist Master - life story of one of the last Taoist Masters to be trained in the temples before the Cultural Revolution (lived in SF the last half of his life teaching Tai Chi) AWESOME autobiography
Secret of the Golden Flower - ancient Taoist text
Tao Te Ching - the basis of the Taoist worldview
I Ching - ancient Asian oracular system of poetry
The Stonecutter - Taoist parable

I don't remember the authors/translators, or even still own any of these except the I Ching, but this should get you started. I took a few semesters of Eastern Philosophy. Taking a look into Confucianist though also will help gain a greater understanding of Taoism especially - they are not mutually exclusive ways of thought, but often have conflicting goals.

I'd definitely recommend reading up on Taoism, starting with the Tao Te Ching. It just seems to make so much more sense than other religions.

"Two uh religions"
Your not going to learn much with an attitude such as that I'm afraid
Have you considered asking to be reassigned to a different section
Back to my cup of tea

Chinese Green Tea tastes good

Introductory Buddhism

1. What The Buddha Taught - classic book introducing people to Buddhism since 1959
http://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243851601&sr=8-1

2. The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching - more in depth explanations of fundamental Buddhist teachings
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Buddhas-Teaching-Thich-Nhat/dp/0767903692/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243851965&sr=1-1

3. Old Path White Clouds - the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha written as a novel like biography.
http://www.amazon.com/Old-Path-White-Clouds-Footsteps/dp/0938077260/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248008748&sr=1-1


Meditation & Mindfulness

1. Beginning Mindfulness - ten week course that helps develop the daily practice of mindfulness and meditation.
http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Mindfulness-Learning-Way-Awareness/dp/1577314417/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243852222&sr=1-1

2. Mindfulness in Plain English - the beginners meditation manual. A must have for any meditate.
http://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Plain-English-Updated-Expanded/dp/0861713214/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243852222&sr=1-2
(on line free version) http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html

3. Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness - sequel to the above book. Helps one learn and incorporate the eightfold path into daily life.
http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Mindful-Steps-Happiness-Walking/dp/0861711769/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243852486&sr=1-1


Buddhist Texts

1. The Dhammapada - most widely read Buddhist scripture; Fronsdal's translation is a very enjoyable read. http://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Translation-Buddhist-Classic-Annotations/dp/1590303806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243852634&sr=1-1

2. Transformation and Healing. Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness - fundamental Buddhist Sudra with commentary by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
http://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Healing-Sutra-Establishments-Mindfulness/dp/1888375620/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243852958&sr=1-1

3. In the Buddha's Words. An Anthology of Discourses from the Pail Canon - collection of buddhist sutras organized for easy reference.
http://www.amazon.com/Buddhas-Words-Anthology-Discourses-Teachings/dp/0861714911/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243853118&sr=1-1

You may try out the choices suggested by the people above. The texts (straws) are the basic choices you shouldn't miss out.

If you are advance enough, you can certainly have a look at

http://www.tbsn.org (the founder is excel in both, very rare)
http://www.e-daden.com/english/ (those are his books)

The best books I recommend is Zhuan Falun and Falun Gong. The latter is an introductory text. Both the Taoist and Buddhist practice are contrasted in Zhuan Falun. Both books are freely available from the URL listed below in the book section.