Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

by Keown, Damien

• ISBN13: 9780192853295
• ISBN10: 0192853295
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-01-16
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions.

Author Biography

Damien Keown is Lecturer in Indian Religion at the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies at Goldsmith's College, London. His recent publications include Buddhism and Bioethics, and The Nature of Buddhist Ethics.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	vi	(1)
List of Maps	vii	(5)
Note on Citations and Pronunciation	xii
1. Buddhism and Elephants	1	(15)
2. The Buddha	16	(15)
3. Karma and Rebirth	31	(15)
4. The Four Noble Truths	46	(13)
5. The Mahayana	59	(14)
6. Buddhism in Asia	73	(15)
7. Meditation	88	(14)
8. Ethics	102	(14)
9. Buddhism in the West	116	(17)
Timeline	133	(2)
Further reading	135	(4)
Index	139