Beginning with an overview of Buddhism, this book explores the religion's origins in northern India and Nepal, through to its development and spread across Asia, to its vibrant and sometimes contradictory present.
The book covers key topics in the study of Buddhism, including its rituals and its scriptures, meditation and monasticism, and death and afterlife. The book also includes contemporary issues such as Buddhism and economics and socially engaged Buddhism.
Over 70 illustrations are included throughout, and each chapter contains suggested further reading and a glossary of key terms and concepts.
Essential Guide to Buddhism, Gwendolyn Gillson (Editor), Bloomsbury, Paperback, 210 Pages, $25.95
Gwendolyn Gillson is Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at Illinois College, USA.
1. Overview, Gwendolyn Gillson (Illinois College, USA)
2. Buddhist Ritual, Matthew Hayes (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
3. Buddhist Deities, AW Barber (University of Calgary, Canada)
4. Buddhist Scripture, Ronald Green (Coastal Carolina University, USA)
5. Buddhist Meditation, Napakadol Kittisenee (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)
6. Buddhist Monasticism, David Divalerio (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA)
7. Death and the Afterlife in Buddhism, Alyson Prude (Georgia Southern University, USA)
8. Buddhism and Women, Gurmeet Kaur (Panjab University, India)
9. Buddhism and Economics, Courtney Bruntz (Doane University, USA)
10. Socially Engaged Buddhism, James Deitrick (University of Central Arkansas, USA)
Glossary
Index
