The Essence of Buddhism

by Jo Durden Smith

Overview

The life of Siddhartha Buddha (which means "Awakened One") is that of one who awakened from the sleep of ignorance and saw conditions as they really were. Through his example every one of us can do the same – awaken from the sleep of nonawareness and understand the experience or "sufferings" of birth, sickness, aging and death that ultimately lead to enlightenment. The Essence of Buddhism provides a clear, straightforward approach to the rich traditions of the Buddhist faith and its ideological foundations. It explains the power of karma, the practice of Zen, and the notion of nirvana, enabling us to acquire understanding of the life of the Buddha and his infl uence throughout the world. Through its elucidation of the defi nitive Buddhist texts, this splendid introduction puts into perspective one of the world’s most significant religions and reveals that it is as relevant now as at any time in its 3,000-year history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785999017
Publisher:	Arcturus
Publication date:	05/29/2017
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

A multi-talented research communicator whose regular work includes Granada Television, The Village Voice-New York, Macleans Magazine, Canada.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Part 1 Buddhism in the Time of Buddha

Chapter 1 The Historical Background 11

Chapter 2 The Life of Buddha: The Path to Enlightenment 21

Chapter 3 The Legacy of Enlightenment 35

Chapter 4 Buddhism as Taught by Buddha 57

Part 2 Buddhism after Buddha

Chapter 5 The First Five Hundred Years 95

Chapter 6 Mahayana 119

Chapter 7 Tantra: The Third Turning of the Wheel 159

Chapter 8 Buddhism Throughout the World 189

Afterword 229

Bibliography 233

Index 235