Discovering Buddhism introduces Buddhism as a culture and civilization, a system of thought and a religion. This fascinating book presents the views and practices of all the main Buddhist traditions without bias and addresses the history of Buddhism, the key topics taught by the Buddha, and a selection of contemporary issues. It also includes critical assessments of the material, connecting traditional accounts with contemporary scholarship.

The author makes each subject relevant and interesting so readers can engage in personal reflection and inquiry. This encounter with Buddhist ideas invites readers to question their outlook on life and can help make their views more aligned with reality.

The book is written in a clear and accessible way for the non-specialist and provides up-to-date information for the teaching of Buddhism in schools complemented by the educational resources available on the Windows into Buddhism website. Authoritative and comprehensive, Discovering Buddhism is the go-to resource for anyone who is curious to know who the Buddha was, what he said, and why so many Westerners today find meaning in his teachings.

Discovering Buddhism: An Introduction to Buddhism as a Culture and Civilization, a System of Thought and a Religion; Dominique Side; Troubador Publishing Ltd; Paperback; 426 pages; $26.00

Dominique Side is a practising Buddhist and experienced teacher of Buddhism. She has a Ph.D. in Buddhist philosophy and has edited numerous publications, including two books by the Dalai Lama. She is the author of Buddhism (2005) and a founder of the Windows into Buddhism website providing educational resources for all age groups.

CONTENTS: Discovering Buddhism
Foreword	vii
Acknowledgements	ix
Chapter 1: The Indian context	1
Chapter 2: Gautama the Buddha	16
Chapter 3: The Buddha's Disciples	35
Chapter 4: A Brief History of Buddhism	52
Chapter 5: Buddhism in the Far East	72
Chapter 6: Buddhism in central Asia and the Himalayas	87
Chapter 7: The Three Vehicles	104
Chapter 8: The Buddhist Scriptures	122
Chapter 9: The Four Noble Truths	134
Chapter 10: The Three Marks of Existence	144
Chapter 11: The Cycle of Birth and Death	170
Chapter 12: Karma and the Causes of Suffering	186
Chapter 13: Samsara and Nirvana	204
Chapter 14: The Three Refuges	221
Chapter 15: Buddhist Ethics	234
Chapter 16: Society and the Buddhist Way of Life	251
Chapter 17: Meditation in Theravada	258
Chapter 18: Ch'an and Zen Buddhism	268
Chapter 19: Pure Land Buddhism	281
Chapter 20: Meditation in Tibetan Buddhism	291
Chapter 21: The Four Philosophical Schools of Buddhism	303
Chapter 22: Significant People	330
Chapter 23: Religious Authority	340
Chapter 24: The Existence of God	360
Chapter 25: Buddhism and Science	368
Glossary	387
Study Questions	390
Resources	399
Credits	401
Endnotes	403