This text is part of the "Teach Yourself World Faiths" series. The book offers a basis for understanding Buddhism. The series aims to present information for readers with no prior knowledge of the religion, but who want to deal confidently with members of the faith community - both in terms of their beliefs and attitudes, and also the practical details of their culture, ceremonies, diet and moral views. The book is suitable for the general reader, and also for students seeking a broad understanding of the religion prior to embarking on more detailed academic work. Buddhism has many varied forms which are now present in the West and which are growing in their variety as Buddhism adapts to its growing global presence and new cultural environments. Originally Buddhism was a religion that developed from its founder, Siddharta Gautama, in India over 2500 years ago. In the 21st century it is a tradition influenced by its passage throughout Asia and now by its entry into Europe, Australasia and North America. Examine that historical journey for yourself focusing also on its value in the contemporary world and the persistent relevance of its teachings. The reader can discover: the Buddha and his teachings; the diversity of Buddhism; Buddhist values and practices; and the relevance of Buddhism in the modern world.
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About the Author
Clive Erricker is Reader in the Study of Religions at University College Chichester. He has written extensively on Buddhism and other religious traditions as well as on religious and spiritual education.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By D. George
Format:Paperback
The number of people practising Buddhism in the West is growing fast, but the variety of its forms, and the unfamiliarity of its teachings can sometimes confuse the general enquirer or student. This book aims to give a clear and informative introduction to Buddhism today, and to provide a solid basis for understanding the Buddhist path in its many forms. It examines the Buddha's teachings about life, and the many practices that have developed out of them over the last two and a half thousand years.
It includes:
Buddhists and Buddhism
the Buddha and his teachings
the diversity of Buddhism
Buddhist meditation and devotion
Buddhist values
customs, festivals and ceremonies
Buddhism today: East and West
The book also includes suggestions for further reading, sources for information on Buddhism, and a glossary of Buddhist terms.
Clive Erricker is a lecturer and prolific writer in the field of religious studies, and has a special interest in Buddhism.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This books provides an insight into Buddhism. Very useful for Religious Studies at a variety of levels and also very useful if you are interested in Buddhism and what its all about. The book is best used as a 'textbook' selecting areas that you are interested in. The section on Western Buddhism is insightful, as this can get over looked.
The book gives a clear idea of Buddhism in the modern day.
The book gives a clear idea of Buddhism in the modern day.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2.3 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not As Good As It Could Have Been
9 Dec 1999
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Although this book does give some basic information about Buddhism, I found it misleading as well. Erricker is obviously an "outsider" looking in on Buddhism and does not seem to have all his facts straight. After researching Buddhism myself, I found that this book was not adequate in teaching someone about Buddhism. I would think twice before buying this book.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
They've got to do better
17 Aug 2000
By Sarakani
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
A good book on the subject has to convey the spirit as well as the letter of Buddhism.
This book pays lip service to some of the letters but lacks the spirit of Buddhism being unbalanced and innaccurate for a true understanding of the subject.
Some of the picture captions are plain wrong. At my last viewing there was a leaf of Ficus religiosa, of enormous significance for Buddhists labelled as a "palm leaf" anything but! Maybe they'll improve.
This book pays lip service to some of the letters but lacks the spirit of Buddhism being unbalanced and innaccurate for a true understanding of the subject.
Some of the picture captions are plain wrong. At my last viewing there was a leaf of Ficus religiosa, of enormous significance for Buddhists labelled as a "palm leaf" anything but! Maybe they'll improve.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
good intro
26 July 2001
By owookiee
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
This book gives more of a historical and informational account of Buddhism, rather than teachings and beliefs. It talks of Buddha himself, the different flavors and divisions of Buddhism, Buddhism as it exists in different countries, Buddhist practices and ceremonies, and a basic introduction to beliefs centered around the precepts Buddhist monks follow. Again, it doesn't go too deeply into beliefs, and really only gives a few passages from notable belief texts. What other reviewers say about the FWBO is true, indeed the whole of the last 5 pages or so is a complete sales pitch on the organization. However, it certainly didn't pervade the book or cloud the information being presented.
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2.3 out of 5 stars
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