Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition

Front Cover
Routledge, Mar 12, 2012 - Religion - 288 pages

This book serves as an accessible and reliable survey for students wishing to gain familiarity with the basic ideas of Buddhist philosophical and religious thought, and with some of the recent research in the field. It guides readers towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' clear and engaging style. The second edition has been fully revised in light of new scholarship, in particular on Mahāyāna Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, an often neglected and inadequately understood topic. As well as a detailed bibliography this authoritative resource now includes recommended further reading, study questions, a pronunciation guide and extensive glossary of terms, all aimed at helping students to develop their knowledge and appreciation of Buddhist thought.

 

Contents

Preface
The Basic Thought of the Buddha
The Nature and Origins of Mahāyāna Buddhism
Mahāyāna Philosophy
The Buddha in Mahāyāna Buddhism
MantranayaVajrayāna Tantric Buddhism in India
Further reading and websites
Notes
Bibliography of works cited
Index
Copyright

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About the author (2012)

Paul Williams is Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy at the University of Bristol, UK. His books include Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (second edition, Routledge).

Anthony Tribe is a specialist in Indian Tantric Buddhism and formerly taught in the Asian Studies Program at the University of Montana, USA.

Alexander Wynne is Assistant to the Co-Director of the Dhammachai Tipiṭaka Project at Wat Phra Dhammakāya, Thailand.

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