Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places.
One of the world's great religious traditions, Buddhism has become an increasingly potent spiritual force in the West, attracting many thousands of followers.
This powerful appeal can in part be explained by its compelling insights into the human condition, outlining a way of life that comes to terms with suffering and offers tranquillity and fulfilment to its adherents. Its ethical code, based on compassion and non-violence, opens the door to a transformation of human spiritual values.
This concise volume provides an accessible and lavishly illustrated introduction to the key themes of the Buddhist faith - the life of the Buddha, spiritual and ethical teachings, ritual and ceremony, art and architecture, sacred writing, karma, meditation and enlightenment, death and the afterlife.
It traces the course of Buddhism, from its origins in ancient India to its place in Western society today, providing a unique distillation of this richly varied traditions - a marvellous introduction for all those who wish to move one step closer to the spirit of the Buddha.
Dispersed throughout the volume are special documentary sections presenting extracts from and summaries of key texts and other invaluable reference material designed to illuminate central features of the faith.
