"?Is this the right book for me?Covering all aspects of this fascinating faith, from the teachings of the Buddha to the practicalities of pursuing a Buddhist way of life, Buddhism - an Introduction is an informative and accessible introduction to this major world religion. Learn about the origins of Buddhism, its place in society today and the challenges it faces for the future.Buddhism: An Introduction includes:Chapter 1: Buddhists and BuddhismWho are Buddhists?The Three JewelsThe Three RefugesBuddhist PracticeIn conclusionChapter 2: The life of the BuddhaThe Buddha?s significanceThe Four SightsGoing forthSelf-mortificationThe enlightenmentTurning the wheel of the dharmaThe missionThe growth of the SanghaParanirvanaIn conclusionChapter 3: The Buddha?s teachingThe first Nobel Truth: all is suffering (dukkha)The second Noble Truth: the origins of suffering (samudaya)The third Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering (nirodha)The fourth Noble Truth: the path to the cessation of suffering (magga)Chapter 4: Buddhist scriptures and schoolsThe Theravada ScripturesThe Mahayana ScripturesPure Land BuddhismThe Ch?an and Zen SchoolsThe Tibetan ScripturesIn conclusionChapter 5: Meditation and devotion1 Mind and heart2 Heart and mind3 Devotion as homage4 Salvific devotionIn conclusionChapter 6: Ethical conductSila skilfulnessThe practicality of buddhist ethicsWorking on yourself and othersThe precepts and the dharmaRenunciationIn conclusionChapter 7: Moral IssuesThe natural worldHuman societyIn conclusionChapter 8: The social orderOrdinationCelibacyWeddings and marriagesFamily lifeDeath and dyingIn conclusionChapter 9: Festivals and ceremoniesTheravada festivalsTibetan festivalsJapanese and Chinese festivalsWestern Buddhist festivalsIn conclusionChapter 10: Budhist today: East and WestThe spread of BuddhismBuddhism in IndiaThe revival of BuddhismBuddhism in South-East AsiaMissionary activityTibetan BuddhismBuddhism in the WestIn conclusionChapter 11: Transition, adaptation and influence: prospects for Buddhism in the twenty-first centuryInto the twenty-first centuryViews from the WestTransmitting Buddhism to a new generationIn conclusionLearn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and added features: Not got much time?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
