Series
Publication
Imprint: Cambridge [England] : Cambridge University Press, 1990. Edition: 11th reprint 2002. Series: Introduction to Religion. Responsibility: Peter Harvey. Physical: Text : 1 volume : xxii, 374 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm. Features: Includes appendix, bibliography, indexes.
Call number
History / Harve
ISBN
9780521313339
Collections
CSS Library Notes
Description: This book is a comprehensive introduction to Buddhist tradition as it has developed in three major cultural areas in Asia, and to Buddhism as it is now developing in the West. It not only explores the world views of the religion but also attempts to show how Buddhism functions as a set of practices. It thus includes chapters on devotion, ethics, monastic practices and meditation. Such practices are related to Buddhist teachings and historical developments. Emphasizing as it does the diversity found within different Buddhist traditions, the book aims throughout to underline common threads of belief, practice and historical continuities which unify the Buddhist world. -- From publisher's description.
Table of Contents: The Buddha and his Indian context --
Early Buddhist teachings : rebirth and karma --
Early Buddhist teachings : the four holy truths --
Early developments in Buddhism --
Mahāyāna philosophy --
Mahāyāna holy beings --
The later history and spread of Buddhism --
Buddhist practice : devotion --
Buddhist practice : ethics --
Buddhist practice : the sangha --
Buddhist practice : meditation and the development of wisdom --
The modern history of Buddhism in Asia --
Buddhism beyond Asia.
FY2004 /
Table of Contents: The Buddha and his Indian context --
Early Buddhist teachings : rebirth and karma --
Early Buddhist teachings : the four holy truths --
Early developments in Buddhism --
Mahāyāna philosophy --
Mahāyāna holy beings --
The later history and spread of Buddhism --
Buddhist practice : devotion --
Buddhist practice : ethics --
Buddhist practice : the sangha --
Buddhist practice : meditation and the development of wisdom --
The modern history of Buddhism in Asia --
Buddhism beyond Asia.
FY2004 /
Physical description
xxii, 374 p.; 23 cm
Description
This book is a comprehensive introduction to Buddhist tradition as it has developed in three major cultural areas in Asia, and to Buddhism as it is now developing in the West. It not only explores the world views of the religion but also attempts to show how Buddhism functions as a set of practices. It thus includes chapters on devotion, ethics, monastic practices and meditation. Such practices are related to Buddhist teachings and historical developments. Emphasizing as it does the diversity found within different Buddhist traditions, the book aims throughout to underline common threads of belief, practice and historical continuities which unify the Buddhist world. --From publisher's description.
Language
Original language
English
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member alasdairgf
A thoroughly compentent overview of Buddhist thought from its origins to the present day. Not a light read, but not a light subject... this is no fluffy feel-good text but a serious scholarly introduction. Recommended.
LibraryThing member refuge
The more introductory books I read on Buddhism, the more I come to appreciate this one. It is very well written and makes a very complex subject matter easy to understand. If I had to choose just one introduction to Buddhism, this would be it.
LibraryThing member FionaLiddle
An excellent introduction including more than the bare minimum. Harvey pays attention to important linguistic points which other introductions often skip over and explains the history and major philosophical elements of Buddhism well.
LibraryThing member jakebornheimer
This book brings both scholarly accuracy and readability. An excellent introduction to the many and varied facets of Buddhism. It covers all the bases: the Southern, Eastern, and Northern varieties. I highly recommend this book for any prospective students of Buddhism.
LibraryThing member ikkyu2462
Very good introduction to Buddhism.