Western Buddhism: New insights into the West fastest growing religion: New Insights into the Wests Fastest Growing Religion [Paperback]

Growing numbers of people in the West are turning towards Buddhism. But there are some practices and ideas that need to be adapted or redefined when they apply to Western minds and lifestyles.

In this groundbreaking book Kulananda explains many of the important traditional teachings in simple clear terms. He clarifies how these teachings can be integrated into Western culture.

This book will be an ideal introduction to anyone who has been puzzled by the veils of mystification that surround the Buddhism self.

BUDDHISM is now one of the fastest-growing religions in the West and it is evolving in new directions. Although deeply rooted in the ancient Buddhist tradition, the emerging Western Buddhism is nonetheless willing to consider its great heritage with a critical eye, to question traditional doctrines and methods and to ask how we can live out these teachings in our modern lives.

A Westerner himself, Kulananda presents some of the key ideas and methods by which he and his contemporaries now live. In simple, clear language he addresses and explores many fundamental Buddhist concepts, including the relationships between consciousness and reality, ourselves and the world. He also radically reassesses the ways in which the encounter between Buddhism and Western culture affects lives on a religious, cultural, social and economic level.

Western Buddhists stand today at a highly creative juncture. This book offers an essential insight into how Buddhism is being redefined. Newcomers will find it a useful and accessible introduction to ideas and practices that have for too long been veiled in mystification, and experienced Buddhists will find a refreshing new perspective on familiar ground.

Kulananda is a second generation Western Buddhist teacher. Ordained in 1977, he is a leading member of the Western Buddhist Order. He is devoted to creating contexts in which Westerners can practise Buddhism.

Kulanada is a leading member of the Western Buddhist Order. He is a well established teacher and writer of works on Buddhism. He is the author of ‘Principles of Buddhism’ published by Thorsons.