Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction

by Damien Keown

Overview

Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction introduces the reader to the teachings of the Buddha and to the workings of Buddhism in daily life. Damien Keown looks at the distinctive features of Buddhism, examining who the Buddha was and what his teachings were. By considering how Buddhist thought has developed over the centuries, Keown considers how contemporary dilemmas can be faced from a Buddhist perspective. In this new edition Keown provides new perspectives on Buddhist thought, including up-to-date material about the evolution of Buddhism throughout Asia, the material culture of Buddhism and its importance, new teachings on the ethics of war and peace, and changes to ethnicity, class, and gender. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191640506
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	02/28/2013
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	361,353
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Damien Keown is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Ethics at Goldsmiths College, London. He is Founding co-editor of the Journal of Buddhist Ethics and a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society. He is also the author of Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction (2005) and co-editor of Encyclopaedia of Buddhism (Routledge, 2007). He is now retired.

Table of Contents

List of illustrationsList of mapsAcknowledgementsNote on citations and pronunciation1. Buddhism and elephants2. The Buddha3. Karma and rebirth4. The Four Noble Truths5. The Mahayana6. The spread of Buddhism in Asia7. Meditation8. Ethics9. Buddhism in the WestTimelineFurther ReadingIndex

Editorial Reviews

"Damien Keown's book is a readable and wonderfully lucid introduction to one of mankind's most beautiful, profound, and compelling systems of wisdom. The rise of the East makes understanding and learning from Buddhism, a living doctrine, more urgent than ever before. Keown's impressive powers of explanation help us to come to terms with a vital contemporary reality."—Bryan Appleyard, columnist, The Sunday Times (London)

"The perfect book for anyone seeking to learn more about this religion....Holistic in its approach, Buddhism gives readers insight into an ancient and profound religion."—Medium

From the Publisher