Buddhism
A Modern Perspective
348 pages | 6 x 9 | 1973
Cloth edition is not available
ISBN 978-0-271-01195-0 | paper: $27.00 sh
ISBN 978-0-271-01195-0 | paper: $27.00 sh
"This book is a valuable addition to theliterature on Buddhism. It presents a basic and accurate survey ofthe tremendous variety of traditions and practices associated withBuddhism throughout the world.
In the past half century Buddhist ideas have been introduced to WesternCountries in very impure forms due to the particular viewpoints ofthe adventurers and translators who interpreted them. It is especiallyunfortunate that Buddhism has been presented as a theistic religion,whereas in fact it is a non-theistic spiritual philosophy, psychology,and way of life. In recent decades the practice of Zen meditationhas become well known in the West. While this is an improvement overthe ways in which Buddhism was presented earlier, there is stillvery little clear presentation of other forms that meditation practicecan take, or of the philosophy which is an essential part of thestudy of Buddhism.
The value of this book, then, lies in the care and scholarship whichthe authors have shown in outlining the doctrines in a simple andstraightforward way, and in providing ample resources for furtherstudy. It is a beginning step in the vast amount of work which needsto be done if Buddhism is to take a firm root in American soil."—ChögyamRinpoche Trungpa
List of Contributors
Stefan Anacker, University of Illinois
Stephan V. Beyer, University of Wisconsin
Francis H. Cook, University of California, Riverside
Roger J. Corless, Duke University
Douglas D. Daye, Bowling Green State University
Mark A. Ehman, Springfield College
Lewis R. Lancaster, University of California, Berkeley
Charles S. Prebish, The Pennsylvania State University
Contents
The Background to Buddhism Stephan V. Beyer
Life of the Buddha Charles S. Prebish
Early History of the Buddhist Order Charles S. Prebish
Buddhist Councils and Divisions in the Order Charles S. Prebish
As´oka and the Missionary Activity of the Buddhists Stefan
Anacker
Doctrines of the Early Buddhists Charles S. Prebish
Major Schools of the Early Buddhists: Maha¯sa¯mghika Charles
S. Prebish
Major Schools of the Early Buddhists: Therava¯da Charles
S. Prebish
Major Schools of the Early Buddhists: Sarva¯stiva¯da Charles
S. Prebish
Kanis¸ka Stefan Anacker