E-Book Overview
Buddhism is a concise and readable survey of the history of Buddhism from its roots in India to its spread across South and East Asia and its present day manifestation in Europe and America. Focusing particularly on the modern period, it provides a valuable introduction to the different paths of Buddhism—the beliefs and practices—and looks at the ways in which this religion is meeting the challenges of the modern world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, this book gives a basic introduction to the faith—its history, beliefs, and practices. Provides valuable pedagogy, including: timeline; maps; glossary; list of sacred days/festivals; suggested reading; pronunciation guide; index; feature boxes focusing on some aspects of the arts; 11 black and white pictures and artworks. Readers interested in learning more about the world's religions.
E-Book Content
Buddhism Religions of the World Series Editor: Ninian Smart Buddhism Bradley K.Hawkins California State University, Long Beach LONDON First published in Great Britain 1999 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2003. © 1999 Calmann & King Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. ISBN 0-203-51658-3 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 0-203-54634-2 (Adobe eReader Format) ISBN 0-415-21341-X (hbk) ISBN 0-415-21162-X (pbk) This book was designed and produced by Calmann & King Ltd, London Editorial work by Melanie White and Damian Thompson Pronunciation guide by Heather Gross Design by Design Deluxe and Karen Stafford Map by Andrea Fairbrass Artworks by Sarah-Jayne Stafford Picture research by Peter Kent Reviewers Theodore M.Ludwig, Valparaiso University; Tadanori Yamashita, Mount Holyoke University; Martha Ann Selby, Southern Methodist University Picture Credits Cover Jean-Léo Dugast, Panos Pictures; page 18 Jean-Léo Dugast, Panos Pictures; 22 Takamasa Inamura, Sakamoto Photo Research Laboratory; 26 Sarah Errington, Hutchison Library; 31 Museum Rietberg, Zurich, Von der Heydt Collection/Foto Wettstein and Kauf; 41 Government Museum, Mathura; 51 Werner Forman Archive/Philip Goldman Collection; 66 Rex Features/Sipa/J. Torregnano; 74 Spectrum Colour Library; 96 Carlos Reyes-Manzo, Andes Press Agency; 107 Ted Streshinsky/Corbis Contents Foreword 7 Preface 9 Chronology of Buddhism 1 10 Introduction: Three Vignettes 13 Theravada: The Way of Discipline 13 Zen: The Way of Meditation 19 Vajrayana: The Way of Ritual 24 2 The Roots of Buddhism 28 Indian Religion at the Time of the Buddha The Buddha and His Message 35 Box: The Buddha’s Disciples 36 Art Focus: Image of the Buddha 40 3 28 The Early Historical Development of Buddhism 45 The Development of Buddhism in South Asia 45 The Rise of Mahayana Buddhism 47 Art Focus: The Growing Role of the Bodhisattva 50 The Buddhist Mission and the Spread of Buddhism in East Asia 52 The Beginnings of Buddhism in Japan and Korea 57 Tibet and the Development of Vajrayana Buddhism 58 The Decline of Buddhism in India 62 5 6 4 ö Contents Modern Buddhism: Many Paths, One Goal 64 The Common Inheritance 64 Theravada: the Life of Discipline and the Production of Merit 65 Box: Becoming a Monk 66 Zen: The Way of Emptiness 72 Vajrayana: The Way of Ritual Mysticism 75 Pure Land: The Saving Grace o