Product Description

From the outside, Buddhism seems like a bundle of contradictions wrapped inside a paradox. It is a religion without a god, a belief system without rules, and a faith that encourages its adherents to question everything, including its own teachings. You could spend a lifetime studying Buddhist texts and following its observances and still feel like you’ve only just barely scratched the surface. Yet, over the past 2500 years, this lovely religion that preaches compassion, generosity, tolerance, selflessness and self–awareness has commanded the fervent devotion of hundreds of millions of people around the world who believe it to be the true path to enlightenment.

If you’re curious about Buddhism but feel intimidated by all the exotic jargon and strange trappings, this book is for you. Written by two leading American Buddhist teachers and scholars, it offers you a uniquely friendly way to explore the fascinating history of Buddhism and discover:

• Who Buddha was and his significance in world history and spirituality
• How the practice of Buddhism can enrich your everyday life
• How Buddha’s teachings combine to create a path to enlightenment
• Daily observances and meditation practices
• How to fulfill your highest potential through Buddhism

In plain English, experts Jonathan Landaw and Stephan Bodian define the important terms, explain the key concepts and explore, in–depth a wide range of topics, including:

• Buddha’s life and teachings and the evolution of the major Buddhist traditions
• How Buddhism works as a religion, philosophy of life and a practical approach to dealing with life’s problems, all rolled into one
• The idea that the mind is the source of all happiness and suffering
• How the practices of wisdom and compassion can connect you with your inner spiritual resources
• Meditation and other core Buddhist practices and how they can affect your everyday life
• How to apply Buddhist teachings at each stage along the spiritual path

Whether you’re a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what’s got Richard Gere and all the rest of those celebrity Buddhists so excited, Buddhism For Dummies is your intro to Buddhism basics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7021 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
“…another interesting title that seems written for anything but dummies…” (Alain de Botton in The Observer, July 4^th, 2004)

Review
“…another interesting title that seems written for anything but dummies…” (Alain de Botton in The Observer, July 4^th, 2004)

From the Back Cover
Covers daily observances, meditation practices, and making pilgrimages

Explore the fascinating history of Buddhism

What’s the significance of Buddha? How can the practice of Buddhism enrich your everyday life? This guide explains the important themes and traditions, revealing how Buddha’s teachings combine to create a path to enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Find out more about karma and discover how to fulfill your highest potential through Buddhism.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear–out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Customer Reviews

Buddhism - at last a book that explains it all!
Having recently started attending meditation classes organised by Buddhists I wanted to know more about this religion. I have read or looked at a number of books which have helped - but only up to a point. With totally new concepts and at times a new language it has proved very difficult to grasp and understand. But I have wanted to learn more and this book at last explains everything in clear unambiguous language. It is set out in a way that enables you to seek out the bits that you want explaining without necessarily having read the previous chapter(s). And you can dip in to other parts as you progress with learning more about Buddhism from other sources. It is an excellent book for people like me who want know more and understand Buddhism better. I only wish I had found it earlier!

Great book - I learn a lot despite being a Buddhist over 10 years!
This is a great book, spent over a couple of hours reading it in a library. I learn a great deal, despite being a Buddhist for many years now. The book puts everything in simple language so that you don't get bogged down by technical terms. I am learn about Buddhism of other schools too, I am a Gelug Tibetan Buddhist and didn't know much about great leaders of other tradition. This book provides a few great leaders from other schools, which are inspiring. I am thinking of buying this book now..

If this book is for Dummies...............!!!
Forget Dummies! And dummy I am not, so I should have been able to cope! This book is a detailed introduction to the subject, going much further than I could cope with as a beginner. I can't fault it in terms of the detail it gives - but I confess I had to give up, after failing to digest and understand much of the content. What was difficult was being exhorted to practices which, as a beginner, I couldn't begin to understand or implement - severe indigestion! I'll come back to this book as and when I have a better understanding. Meanwhile I'll stick with Buddhism Plain and Simple, and Buddhism Without Beliefs.