Deep Dive into Buddhist Thought: A Bibliographic Journey

In the midst of modern quests for meaning and spiritual harmony, the Buddhist tradition continues to inspire and captivate by offering a unique blend of historical facts, philosophical reflections, and cultural insights. Classical works that cover the life of the Buddha, the evolution of his teachings, and the formation of religious practice allow us to experience the depth of ancient wisdom and witness epochal shifts in thought. A number of studies combining historical-critical analysis and philosophical interpretation open up a wealth of ideas for the reader, demonstrating both comparisons of Buddhism with other worldviews and the uniqueness of its inner realm. Special attention is given to exploring the influence of Buddhist concepts on art and literature, where subtle psychological insights and aesthetic images become an integral part of the spiritual experience. These sources not only help to restore the historical context but also enable a deeper inquiry into the complex questions of faith, knowledge, and self-awareness, offering the reader a dynamic and inspiring look at ancient wisdom. Ultimately, the richness of the works presented becomes a true guide for those seeking to understand the essence of Buddhism and to find answers to life’s most important questions through multifaceted study of the tradition.

What books can be recommended for an in-depth study of Buddhism?

Below is a list of books recommended for a deep exploration of Buddhism. Each of these works illuminates various aspects of the Buddhist tradition—from historical-critical analyses of the origins and the life of the Buddha to philosophical interpretations and comparative studies of Buddhism with other worldviews.

For example, one source provides the following selection of works that includes studies on the Buddha’s life journey and the development of Buddhist thought:
"Novoselov E. Hindus and Buddha. — 'Historical Library', 4-5, 1879.
Oldenburg G. Buddha, His Life, Teachings, and Community. St. Petersburg, 1905.
Palladiy, arch. Biography of the Buddha.
Pishel R. Buddha, His Life and Teachings. Moscow, 1911.
Pokrovsky N. Buddhism and Modern Unbelief. — VC, 6-7, 1900.
Podgorbunsky N. Buddhism. Irkutsk, 1901.
Ris-Davis T. Buddhism. St. Petersburg, 1906.
Rosenberg O. Problems of Buddhist Philosophy." (source: link )

Another comprehensive list includes works that address both historical and philosophical aspects:
"Methodius, hieromonk. Buddhist Worldview. St. Petersburg, 1902.
Minaev I. Buddhism. Materials and Research, Vol. I. St. Petersburg, 1887.
Mirotvortsev V. Exposition and Critical Analysis of the Main Doctrines of Buddhism — PS, Vol. III, 1873.
Novoselov V. Faith and Knowledge in Buddhism. See the Jubilee Issue of 'The Maha Bodhi. International Buddhist Monthly', Calcutta, 1956.
See also: A. L. Cleather. Buddhism, The Science of Life. Feeling. 1928." (source: link )

For a more detailed study of Buddhist teachings, attention can also be drawn to works devoted to the philosophical aspect:
"Shcherbatskaya F. I. The Philosophical Teachings of Buddhism. PG, 1919.
Problems of Buddhist Philosophy. Mystics and Magicians of Tibet. Arya Shura. Garland of Jataka. Translated by O. Volkova. Moscow, 1962.
Asvaghosa. The Life of the Buddha. Translated by K. Uspensky. Moscow, 1977." (source: link )

Also of interest are publications that compare Buddhist ideas with other traditions and examine their influence:
"Gorokhov D. Buddhism and Christianity, Vol. I. Kiev, 1914.
Guri, hieromonk. Buddhism and Christianity in Their Teachings on Salvation. Kazan, 1908.
Datta N. The Place of Buddhism in Indian Philosophy. - VIMK, No. 6, 1957.
Karyagin K. Sakia-Muni (Buddha), His Life and Philosophical Activity." (source: link )

Some works offer perspectives on Buddhist thought through the lens of art and cultural development:
"Solovyov V. S. The Buddhist Mood in Poetry. — Included in Solovyov V. S. Philosophy of Art and Literary Criticism — Moscow, 1991." (source: link )
"V. S. Solovyov. The Buddhist Mood in Russian Poetry. Moscow, 1892." (source: link )

In addition, among the recommended materials are studies covering the historical context of the establishment of Buddhism:
"Amfilokhiy, arch. Buddhism from Its Emergence Until the End of the 1st Century AD. Moscow, 1898.
Arnold E. Light of Asia, edited and with a foreword by S. Oldenburg. St. Petersburg, 1906." (source: link )

Finally, for an introduction to the systematic structure of the Buddhist Canon, the following editions are recommended:
"Nyandatiloka. Guide through the Abhidharma-Pitaka, 1938.
Buddhist Catechism, 1887, translated by T. Butkevich." (source: link )
"Cleather A. L. Buddhism, the Science of Life. Beijing, 1928." (source: link )
"Essays in Zen-Buddhism, 1961." (source: link )

These works represent a diverse collection of sources that will aid in deep exploration of various aspects of Buddhist thought, history, philosophy, and their influence on culture.

Supporting citation(s):
"Novoselov E. Hindus and Buddha. — 'Historical Library', 4-5, 1879. Oldenburg G. Buddha, His Life, Teachings, and Community. St. Petersburg, 1905. Palladiy, arch. Biography of the Buddha. Pishel R. Buddha, His Life and Teachings. Moscow, 1911. Pokrovsky N. Buddhism and Modern Unbelief. — VC, 6-7, 1900. Podgorbunsky N. Buddhism. Irkutsk, 1901. Ris-Davis T. Buddhism. St. Petersburg, 1906. Rosenberg O. Problems of Buddhist Philosophy." (source: link )

"Methodius, hieromonk. Buddhist Worldview. St. Petersburg, 1902. Minaev I. Buddhism. Materials and Research, Vol. I. St. Petersburg, 1887. Mirotvortsev V. Exposition and Critical Analysis of the Main Doctrines of Buddhism— PS, Vol. III, 1873. Novoselov V. Faith and Knowledge in Buddhism. See the Jubilee Issue of 'The Maha Bodhi. International Buddhist Monthly', Calcutta, 1956. See also: A. L. Cleather. Buddhism, The Science of Life. Feeling. 1928." (source: link )

"Shcherbatskaya F. I. The Philosophical Teachings of Buddhism. PG, 1919. Problems of Buddhist Philosophy. Mystics and Magicians of Tibet. Arya Shura. Garland of Jataka. Translated by O. Volkova. Moscow, 1962. Asvaghosa. The Life of the Buddha. Translated by K. Uspensky. Moscow, 1977." (source: link )

These sources can serve as an excellent starting point for a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Buddhism.