An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices

by Peter Harvey

• ISBN13: 9780521676748
• ISBN10: 0521676746
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-12-14
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

In this new edition of the best-selling Introduction to Buddhism, Peter Harvey provides a comprehensive introduction to the development of the Buddhist tradition in both Asia and the West. Extensively revised and fully updated, this new edition draws on recent scholarship in the field, exploring the tensions and continuities between the different forms of Buddhism. Harvey critiques and corrects some common misconceptions and mistranslations, and discusses key concepts that have often been over-simplified and over-generalised. The volume includes detailed references to scriptures and secondary literature, an updated bibliography and a section on web resources. Key terms are given in Pali and Sanskrit, and Tibetan words are transliterated in the most easily pronounceable form, making this is a truly accessible account. This is an ideal coursebook for students of religion, Asian philosophy and Asian studies, and is also a useful reference for readers wanting an overview of Buddhism and its beliefs.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Buddha and his Indian context

Early Buddhist teachings: rebirth and karma

Early Buddhist teachings: the four true realities for the spiritually ennobled

Early developments in Buddhism

MahÄüyÄüna philosophies: the varieties of emptiness

MahÄüyÄüna holy beings, and Tantric Buddhism

The later history and spread of Buddhism

Buddhist practice: devotion

Buddhist practice: ethics

Buddhist practice: the Sangha

Buddhist practice: meditation and cultivation of experience-based wisdom

The modern history of Buddhism in Asia

Buddhism beyond Asia

Appendix on canons of scriptures

Web resources

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.