Buddhism - Hardcover

Lopez, Donald S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0713994347 ISBN 13: 9780713994346

Publisher: Allen Lane, 2001

Synopsis

A clear, well written, and informative account of Buddhism's history, and the basic concerns of Buddhists. Many surveys of Buddhism are unsuccessful because they either cater exclusively to specialists, or condescend to the general reader by presenting Buddhism as a kind of self-help alternative. Lopez presents Buddhism as a religion with a history, to which ordinary people have turned for the means to confront, control or even escape the exigencies of life. The emphasis is on actual lived practice, and the book is full of Buddhist stories: sometimes miraculous, sometimes humourous. Chapter include: The Universe; The Buddha; The Dharma (Buddhist doctrine); Monastic Life; Lay Practice; Enlightenment.

About this title

Review:

Much of what we hear about Buddhism today in the West focuses on its philosophy, and how it can change one's life. Throughout history, however, Buddhism's mythology, scriptures, heroes, and its promise for salvation from rebirth have been the Buddhist teachings that most people have known. Religion professor Donald Lopez has mastered a good deal of this immense lore and managed with Buddhism to get it into a manageable package. Rather than providing a chronological history or country-by-country breakdown, Lopez explores general topics, meandering through two-and-a-half millennia, from India to Japan. In sections such as "Monastic Life", "Tantra", and "Pilgrimage", he talks about the origins of each topic and its mainstream manifestations. In addition, he spices up his work with delectable, if occasionally bizarre, examples from specific cultures. There is, for instance, the story of the depraved man who, once having said the words "Lotus Sutra" was saved from Hell. And the tale of the practice called the "act of truth" in which a perfectly candid statement can have magical powers. Or the story of the monk who attempted to rescue some maggots by opening his own flesh for them. No doubt, Buddhism is interesting, but it takes a competent scholar and a good storyteller to get it just right. Lopez fills the bill. --Brian Bruya

Synopsis:

In this guide, Donald Lopez provides an exposition of the basic concerns of Buddhists, as well as a presentation of Buddhism's historical development, and offers the reader a clear understanding of Buddhism's basic doctrines and principles, and major institutions.

About this edition

• Publisher: Allen Lane
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0713994347
• ISBN 13: 9780713994346
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304