Thousands of books have been written and published on Buddhism throughout the world. Some of these books have been extremely helpful in understanding Buddhism in great detail and make for a great reading. However, owing to the large number of books, it is difficult for us to list them all here. What we have tried here is to give you details of books that cover different topics and have been found useful by readers. We know that a number of good books that deserves a mention here have not been included but it is solely because of the reason stated above.

We hope that the books listed below prove tremendously useful and you gain more knowledge than what you expected at the beginning. So, go ahead and pick up the book you think will make for an interesting and informative reading. The knowledge gained at the end will be invaluable.

	Zen Buddhism Author : Daisetz T. Suzuki Publisher : Three Leaves Description : Well known Zen author D .T. Suzuki presents historical background and overview of different Zen practices.
	Simple Buddhism: A Guide to Enlightened Living Author : Drs. C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins Publisher : Tuttle Publishing Description : The content of the book comprises a history of Buddhism; about its important teaching and themes– the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path; how to apply Buddhism in day today life and an final conclusion.
	Essence of Buddhism Author : Traleg Kyabgon Publisher : Shambhala Description : Presents an overview of Buddhist path. The content comprises various meditative approaches of Buddhist practices. Also includes definition of compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature, and answers to questions like “Why does Buddhism teach that there is "no self"? Are Buddhist teachings pessimistic? Does Buddhism encourage social passivity?
	Buddhism for Busy People: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World Author : David Michie Publisher : Allen & Unwin Description :Presents a man’s sojourn into more spiritual and focussed life by the help of philosophy and actions. The author gives way to distinguish between temperoray pleasures and permanent fulfilment.
	Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations Author : Paul Williams Publisher : Routledge Description :A perfect book to explore the Mahayana Tradition. Arguments and assertion occupy a considerable part of the text and are supported by references to primary sources.
	Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists & Their Tibetan Successors Author : David Snellgrove Publisher : Shambhala Description :Presents a thorough survey of Buddhism in India and its later foundation and development in Tibet. The period from 8th to 13th century is focussed when the Tibetans were involved in incorporating Buddhist culture with their own. The author uses extensive quotation from original sources, some of which have never been translated into Englishe.
	Why Buddhism?: Westerners in Search of Wisdom Author : Vicki Mackenzie Publisher : Element Books Ltd Description :Explores the rise of Buddhism in the western countries
	The Great Compassion: Buddhism and Animal Rights Author : Norm Phelps Publisher : Lantern Books Description :Presents different strains of Buddhism and the sutras that teach respect for all living beings. The author answers questions like whether Buddhism requires a person to be vegetarian and whether Lord Buddha was himself a vegetarian.
	Deities of Tibetan Buddhism: The Zurich Paintings of the Icons Worthwhile to See Author : Martin Willson Publisher : Wisdom Publications Description :A detailed book for Tibetan images of enlightenment
	Shifting Worlds, Changing Minds: Where the Sciences and Buddhism Meet Author : Jeremy W. Hayward Publisher : Shambhala Description : The book suggests that both Buddhism and science offer strong insights into human nature that can aid in bringing changes in our lives and society.
	Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment Author : Deepak Chopra Publisher : HarperSan Francisco Description : A fiction that segregates the life of prince Siddharta into three portions : one where about the young Siddharta and the decision of his father to keep him in isolation, second where he comes face to face with sufferings and abandons his leisurely lifestyle to become a monk. The thrid and the final part sees him attaining enlightenment. A question answer section in end provides info on basic tenets of Buddhism.
	Living Dharma Author : Jack Kornfield Publisher : Shambhala Description : The author offers Buddhist practices as preached by 12 highly renowned masters from southeast Asia. Given are different varieties of meditation techniques and practices that takes one to the realisation of nirvana. The book also offers an introduction to the fundasmental tenets of Buddhism.
	Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living Author : Surya Das Publisher : HarperSanFrancisco Description : Offers both a novice and experienced seeker Buddha’s advice or guidelines for living a life filled with joy, clarity, peace and wisdom.
	The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (Teachings of the Buddha) Author : Bhikkhu Nanamoli Publisher : Wisdom Publications Description : This translation, as per scholars, is the most trustworthy source of all original preachings given by historical Buddha.
	How to Meditate: A Practical Guide Author : Kathleen McDonald Publisher : Wisdom Publications Description : Introductory guide to meditation
	The Dhammapada (Classics of Indian Spirituality) Author : Eknath Easwaran Publisher : Nilgiri Press; Description : The author offers a summary to the life of the Buddha and the principle tenets of his thought, including important concepts such as dharma, karma, and nirvana.
	The Diamond Sutra: Transforming the Way We Perceive the World Author : Mu Soeng Publisher : Wisdom Publications Description : Mu Soeng version of one of the most important Mahayana text. It offers elaborate introduction to the beginning of the Buddhist sutras and trace their development until the advent of the Diamond Sutra. The author also explains why Zen Buddhists give so much importance to Diamond Sutra.
	The Ajanta Caves: Ancient Paintings of Buddhist India Author : Benoy K. Behl Publisher : Thames & Hudson Description : The author provides information on Ajanta paintings and techniques used to carve the animated reliefs. Perfect for anyone wanting to undertake a trip to the caves or simply know about them.
	Japanese Buddhism : A Cultural History Author : Yoshiro Tamura and Jeffrey Hunter Publisher : Kosei Publishing Company Description : Traces the development of Buddhism in Japan right from the time it entered the country to present day when Japanese Buddhism is unique in the world. It offers insight into Japana, Buddhism and the relationship netween the two.
	Cambodian Buddhism: History And Practice Author : Ian Charles Harris Publisher : University of Hawaii Press Description : Offers history and development of Buddhism in Cambodia. Also offers similarities and differences with other similar traditions – Thai and Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhism.

Some More Books on Buddhism

• The Cave Temples of India by Fergusson, James & Burgess, James
• History of Theravada Buddhism in South-East Asia with Special Reference to India and Ceylon by Hazra, Kanai Lal
• Vipassana The Buddhist Way by Sobti, H.S. (Ed.)
• A Guide to Boddhisattvas Way of Life of Shantideva (Bibliotheca Indo Buddhica Series) by Rinpoche, Tharangu (Tr. Ken Holmes & Thomas Doctor)
• Religious History of Ladakh (Bibliotheca Indo Buddhica Series) by Jina, Prem Singh (Ed.)
• The Symbolism of the Stupa by Snodgrass, Adrian
• Buddhism and Ecology by Bachelor, Martine & Brown, Kerry
• The Ancient Egyptian Buddha: The Ancient Egyptian Origins of Buddhism (Hardcover)
• by Muata Ashby
• Jodo Shinshu: Shin Buddhism in Medieval Japan (Institute of Buddhist Studies) by James C. Dobbins
• Pali Buddhism (Curzon Studies in Asian Philosophy) by Frank Hoffman
• A Survey of Buddhist Thought by Alfred Scheepers