In this clearly written undergraduate textbook, Stephen Laumakis explains the origin and development of Buddhist ideas and concepts, focusing on the philosophical ideas and arguments presented and defended by selected thinkers and sutras from various traditions. He starts with a sketch of the Buddha and the Dharma, and highlights the origins of Buddhism in India. He then considers specific details of the Dharma with special attention to Buddhist metaphysics and epistemology, and examines the development of Buddhism in China, Japan, and Tibet, concluding with the ideas of the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. In each chapter he includes explanations of key terms and teachings, excerpts from primary source materials, and presentations of the arguments for each position. His book will be an invaluable guide for all who are interested in this rich and vibrant philosophy.

STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS is Associate Professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.

Acknowledgments		page ix
Epigraph		x
Preface		xiii
Part I A sketch of the Buddha and the Dhamma		1
1	The life of Siddhattha Gotama	3
2	The contexts for the emergence of Buddhism	19
3	The basic teachings of the Buddha	45
4	One Buddhism or many Buddhisms?	61
Part II Details of the Dhamma		81
5	Kamma, Samsara, and rebirth	83
6	Interdependent arising	105
7	Impermanence, no-enduring-self, and emptiness	125
8	Moksa and Nibbana	149
Part III Development of the Dhamma/Dharma		175
9	Bodhidharma�s and Huineng�s Buddhisms	177
10	Pure Land Buddhism	207
11	Tibetan Buddhism	229
12	Two forms of contemporary Buddhism	247
Glossary		265
Bibliography		277
Index		282

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