The Foundations of Buddhism / Edition 1

by Rupert Gethin

Overview

Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition with a history that stretches over 2,500 years, and which is now followed by around 115 million people. In this introduction to the foundations of Buddhism, Rupert Gethin concentrates on the ideas and practices which constitute the common heritage of the different traditions of Buddhism (Thervada, Tibetan, and Eastern) that exist in the world today. From the narrative of the story of the Buddha, through discussions of aspects such as textual traditions, the framework of the Four Noble Truths, the interaction between the monastic and lay ways of life, the cosmology of karma and rebirth, and the path of the bodhisattva, this book provides a stimulating introduction to Buddhism as a religion and way of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192892232
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/24/1998
Series:	OPUS
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	608,690
Product dimensions:	7.74(w) x 5.12(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Rupert Gethin is co-founder of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol and a specialist in Indian Buddhism.

Table of Contents

Introduction1. The Buddha: The Story of the Awakened One2. The Word of the Buddha: Buddhist Scriptures and Schools3. Four Truths: The Disease, the Cause, the Cure, the Medicine4. The Buddhist Community: Monks, Nuns, and Lay Followers5. The Buddhist Cosmos: The Thrice Thousandfold World6. No self: Personal Continuity and Dependent Arising7. The Buddhis Path: The Way of Calm and Insight8. The Abhidharma: The Higher Teaching9. The Mahayana: The Great Vehicle10. Evolving Traditions of Buddhism

Editorial Reviews

"This is the best introduction to Indian Buddhism that I have seen. It makes extensive use of the most current scholarship."—David Carpenter, St. Joseph's University

From the Publisher