Buddhism, one of the world's most widely practiced religions, is a fascinating yet complex eastern religion that is rapidly spreading throughout western civilization. What does it mean to be a Buddhist? What are the fundamental beliefs and history behind this religion? Buddhism For Dummies explores these questions and more in this updated guide to Buddhist culture. You'll gain an understanding of the origins of this ancient practice and how they're currently applied to everyday life.
Whether you're a searcher of truth, a student of religions, or just curious about what makes Buddhism such a widely practiced religion, this guide is for you. In plain English, it defines the important terms, explains the key concepts, and explores in-depth a wide range of fascinating topics.
New and expanded coverage on all the schools of Buddhism, including Theravada, Tibetan, and Mahayana
The continuing relevance of the Dalai Lama
Updated coverage on daily observances, celebrations, styles, practices, meditation, and more
Continuing the Dummies tradition of making the world's religions engaging and accessible to everyone, Buddhism For Dummies is your essential guide to this fascinating religion.
Buddhism for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Wiley Publications, Paperback, 2011, 348 Pages, $22.99
Jonathan Landaw is the former English Translation Editor, Translation Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Stephan Bodian has studied and practices several schools of Buddhism.
Gudrun B�hnemann, Professor, teaches the Sanskrit Language and its literature, along with courses on the religions of South Asia.
Introduction 1
Part I: Embarking on a Journey: The Basics of Buddhism 7
Chapter 1: Entering the World of Buddhism: The Basics 9
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Mind: The Creator of All Experience 21
Part II: A Short History of Buddhism 35
Chapter 3: Surveying the Life and Teachings of the Historical Buddha 37
Chapter 4: The Development of Buddhism on the Indian Subcontinent 63
Chapter 5: Watching Developments Continue to the Present Day 85
Part III: Behaving Like a Buddhist 119
Chapter 6: Turning to Buddhism 121
Chapter 7: Meditation: A Central Practice of Buddhism 139
Chapter 8: A Day in the Life of a Buddhist Practitioner 161
Chapter 9: Walking in the Buddha's Footsteps 181
Part IV: Exploring the Buddhist Path 195
Chapter 10: What Is Enlightenment, Anyway? 197
Chapter 11: A Matter of Life and Death 217
Chapter 12: Minding the Concept of Karma 233
Chapter 13: Breaking Free of the Cycle of Dissatisfaction 249
Chapter 14: Fulfi lling Your Highest Potential 269
Chapter 15: Life Stories of Four Buddhist Masters 289
Part V: The Part of Tens 307
Chapter 16: Ten Common Misconceptions about Buddhism 309
Chapter 17: Ten Ways Buddhism Can Help You Deal with Life's Problems 317
Part VI: Appendixes 329
Appendix A: Explaining Buddhist Terms 331
Appendix B: Additional Buddhist Resources to Check Out 337
Index 347