Buddhism

Beginning with a brief account of the life of the historical Buddha and his teachings, the book looks into the schism that developed upon the death of the Buddha, the various schools that evolved around his teachings and the spread of these schools in all parts of the world, a process which is still continuing today. To be followed up with a companion volume titled Buddhism: An Introduction, which will focus on the doctrinal aspects of the religion rather than the historical.

A concise and up-to-date guide to the history, teachings, and practice of Buddhism by two luminaries in the field of world religions.

How and when did the many schools and subsects of Buddhism emerge? How does the historical figure of Siddhartha Gautama relate to the magical ritual of the Tantra or to the ardent devotion of the Pure Land schools? Did Buddhism modify the cultures to which it was introduced, or did they modify Buddhism? A Concise History of Buddhism explores the origins of this twenty-five-centuries-old religion and traces the major developments in Buddhism through the nineteenth century, focusing on the roots of present-day forms of the religion.

This new dictionary, written by Dr Damien Keown, covers both historical and contemporary issues in Buddhism, and includes all Buddhist schools and cultures. Over 2,000 broad-ranging entries cover beliefs, doctrines, major teachers and scholars, place names, and artefacts, in a clear and concise style.

Providing a comprehensive overview of one of Asia's most important religious and social forces, the Encyclopedia of Buddhism describes the Buddhist world view, basic teachings and practices of Buddhism, as well as its different schools and sects.

Zen Buddhism is one of the most important and influential world religions. Its unique forms of artistic, philosophical, and spiritual practices, including meditation, haiku, and calligraphy, have spread throughout the world. Written in a clear and accessible style, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism introduces readers to this vital and influential tradition.

Reflecting on the legacy of four great religious figures, this book places each in their historical context, offers glimpses of what they were like personally, assesses how they saved their followers from confusion, and traces each religious tradition after its founder's death.

We are living in remarkable times. A genuine Western Buddhism is now taking birth, writes Joseph Goldstein, one of Americas most respected Buddhist teachers. The birth pangs include controversy and conflict -- and fear that genuine teachings may vanish as traditions converge in the melting pot of American practice. But Goldstein recognizes a possibility, indeed a at potential, for the essence of Buddhism to survive on Western soil, in Western minds.

Presents biographies of the historical figures credited with founding the five world religions, chronicling what is actually known about the charismatic figures, and introduces the cultural and religious worlds that heard their messages.