An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices (Introduction to Religion)

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the Buddhist tradition as it has developed in three major cultural areas in Asia, and to Buddhism as it is now developing in the West. It is intended to be a textbook for students of religious and Asian studies respectively, but will also be of interest to those who want a general survey of Buddhism and its beliefs. Unlike many other general books about Buddhism, it not only explores Buddhist beliefs, but also seeks to show how Buddhism functions as a set of practices. It thus includes chapters on devotion, ethics, monastic practices and meditation. Dr Harvey has sought to answer questions that are often asked by people on first meeting the tradition, and in his section on Nirvana offers a novel interpretation of this ultimate, transcendent mystery.Peter Harvey is the author of 'An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices (Introduction to Religion)', published 1990 under ISBN 9780521308151 and ISBN 0521308151.