Buddhism: A Complete Introduction is a comprehensive and easy-to-use introduction, designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. Written by a leading expert, this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay, or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. It is structured to mirror the way in which Buddhism is usually taught, starting with the life of the Buddha through to the prospects of Buddhism for the next generation. The book covers all the key areas that are considered central to Buddhism, including the Buddha's teachings, the scriptures and schools, the role of meditation and the moral and ethical context. It uses jargon-free English and includes features such as guided further reading and end of chapter questions to ensure that you understand all the concepts covered. Buddhism: A Complete Introduction includes: Chapter 1: Buddhists and BuddhismWho are Buddhists?The Three JewelsThe Three RefugesBuddhist PracticeIn conclusion Chapter 2: The life of the BuddhaThe Buddha's significanceThe Four SightsGoing forthSelf-mortificationThe enlightenmentTurning the wheel of the dharmaThe missionThe growth of the SanghaParanirvanaIn conclusion Chapter 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 conclusion Chapter 5: Meditation and devotion1 Mind and heart2 Heart and mind3 Devotion as homage4 Salvific devotionIn conclusion Chapter 6: Ethical conductSila skilfulnessThe practicality of buddhist ethicsWorking on yourself and othersThe precepts and the dharmaRenunciationIn conclusion Chapter 7: Moral IssuesThe natural worldHuman societyIn conclusion Chapter 8: The social orderOrdinationCelibacyWeddings and marriagesFamily lifeDeath and dyingIn conclusion Chapter 9: Festivals and ceremoniesTheravada festivalsTibetan festivalsJapanese and Chinese festivalsWestern Buddhist festivalsIn conclusion Chapter 10: Budhist today: East and WestThe spread of BuddhismBuddhism in IndiaThe revival of BuddhismBuddhism in South-East AsiaMissionary activityTibetan BuddhismBuddhism in the WestIn conclusion Chapter
- ISBN13 9781473609488
- Publish Date 23 April 2015
- Publish Status Withdrawn
- Out of Print 17 June 2015
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Imprint Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
- Format eBook
- Pages 272
- Language English