In this second edition of the best-selling Introduction to Buddhism, Peter Harvey provides a comprehensive introduction to the development of the Buddhist tradition in both Asia and the West. Extensively revised and fully updated, this edition draws on recent scholarship in the field, exploring the tensions and continuities between the different forms of Buddhism. Harvey critiques and corrects some common misconceptions and mistranslations, and discusses key concepts that have often been over-simplified and over-generalised. The volume includes detailed references to scriptures and secondary literature, an updated bibliography and a section on web resources. Key terms are given in Pali and Sanskrit, and Tibetan words are transliterated in the most easily pronounceable form, making this is a truly accessible account. This is an ideal coursebook for students of religion, Asian philosophy and Asian studies, and is also a useful reference for readers wanting an overview of Buddhism and its beliefs.
- Cites and corrects common misconceptions of Buddhism, to deepen students' critical understanding
- Both Sanskrit and Pali versions of key terms are used, to make the text accessible to students of either language
- Transliterated forms of Tibetan words are given, to aid correct pronunciation
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Product details
- Edition: 2nd Edition
- Date Published: November 2012
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521676748
- length: 547 pages
- dimensions: 229 x 152 x 26 mm
- weight: 0.87kg
- contains: 17 b/w illus. 2 maps 11 tables
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Buddha and his Indian context
2. Early Buddhist teachings: rebirth and karma
3. Early Buddhist teachings: the four true realities for the spiritually ennobled
4. Early developments in Buddhism
5. Mahāyāna philosophies: the varieties of emptiness
6. Mahāyāna holy beings, and Tantric Buddhism
7. The later history and spread of Buddhism
8. Buddhist practice: devotion
9. Buddhist practice: ethics
10. Buddhist practice: the Sangha
11. Buddhist practice: meditation and cultivation of experience-based wisdom
12. The modern history of Buddhism in Asia
13. Buddhism beyond Asia
Appendix on canons of scriptures
Web resources
Bibliography
Index.
Look Inside
Author
Peter Harvey, University of Sunderland
Peter Harvey is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Sunderland. He is author of An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Cambridge University Press, 2000) and The Selfless Mind: Personality, Consciousness and Nirvāna in Early Buddhism (1995). He is editor of the Buddhist Studies Review.