Introduction to Buddhism. The Experience of the Transcendent

Evgeny Alexeyevich Torchinov is a well-known sinologist and buddhologist, historian of philosophy and culture of China, Doctor of Philosophy, professor, and laureate of the Saint Petersburg Philosophical Society award "Second Navigation" for the book "Introduction to Buddhism." This publication includes... three works by E. A. Torchinov, which can be called guides to the complex, wonderful world of Eastern beliefs and mystical practices. "Introduction to Buddhism" is E. A. Torchinov's most famous work and, perhaps, the best Russian-language book on Buddhism. In an accessible form, the reader can familiarize themselves with the basics of the formation and development of Buddhism, understand the great diversity of its schools and directions, and learn about the basic ideas and concepts. The book "The Experience of the Transcendent" was first published in 1997 and immediately became a scientific bestseller. This work examines in detail various types of religious experiences and the connections between religion and other forms of spiritual culture: mythology, philosophy, and science. The reader will learn about such exotic manifestations of religious consciousness as shamanic psychotechnics and mystery cults of the ancient Mediterranean; they will read about various practices in Daoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions of the East and West. The short work "The Path of Gold and Cinnabar" is dedicated to Daoism: an ancient philosophy, mystical and alchemical practices spanning several thousand years.