An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices

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Cambridge University Press, Nov 22, 2012 - Religion
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.
 

Contents

Introduction I
1
The Buddha and his Indian Context
8
Rebirth and Karma
32
The Four True Realities for
50
Early Developments in Buddhism
88
The Varieties of Emptiness
114
Mahayana Holy Beings and Tantric Buddhism
151
The Later History and Spread of Buddhism
194
Ethics
264
The Songho
287
Meditation and Cultivation
318
The Modern History of Buddhism in Asia
376
Buddhism Beyond Asia
419
Canons of Serzptures
459
Index
491
Copyright

Devotion 737
237

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About the author (2012)

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.

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