Buddhism History

Over the course of twenty-five centuries, Buddhism spread from its place of origin in northern India to become a global tradition of remarkable breadth, depth, and richness. Donald S. Lopez Jr. draws on the latest scholarship to construct a detailed and innovative history of Buddhism—not just as a chronology through the centuries or as geographic movement, but as a dense matrix of interconnections.

Buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, from Tibetan caves to Tokyo temples to redwood retreats. To an outside viewer, it might be hard to see what they all have in common. In Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron map out with clarity the convergences and the divergences between the two major strains of Buddhism - the Sanskrit traditions of Tibet and East Asia and the Pali traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history. He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

For nearly 1,000 years, from the destruction of temples and monasteries by Muslim invaders in the 11th and 12th centuries, followed by Hinduism’s increasing power, Buddhism vanished from the country of its origin. Though hugely influential throughout Asia, the religion was forgotten in India.

This very short introduction offers listeners a superb overview of the teachings of the Buddha, as well as a succinct guide to the integration of Buddhism into daily life.

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.

Some 25 centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts? Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is committed to a secularized version of the Buddha's teachings. The time has come, he feels, to articulate a coherent, ethical, contemplative, and philosophical vision of Buddhism for our age.

Discover the Inspiring Life of the Buddha in this brief and engaging biographyThis concise and accessible book offers a perfect introduction to one of history’s most influential spiritual leaders, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Written for beginners, The Buddha’s Life and Legacy takes you on a journey through the Buddha’s extraordinary life—from his sheltered upbringing as a prince to his profound awakening under the Bodhi tree and his enduring legacy as a teacher of wisdom and compassion. What You’ll Learn The key events in the Buddha’s life, including his birth, the Four ...

Michael Carrithers guides us through the complex and sometimes conflicting information that Buddhist texts give about the life and teaching of the Buddha. He discusses the social and political background of India in the Buddha's time, and traces the development of his thought. He also assesses the rapid and widespread assimilation of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance. Well-paced and informative, this introduction will enlighten not only those who study Buddhism and comparative religion but anyone intrigued by the remarkable philosophy of one of the greatest religious thinkers.

Living and dying with bravery and honor is at the heart of Hagakure, a series of texts written by an 18th-century samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It is a window into the samurai mind, illuminating the concept of bushido (the Way of the Warrior), which dictated how samurai were expected to behave, conduct themselves, live, and die.

Approximately four million Americans claim to be Buddhist. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of Americans of various faiths read about Buddhism, are interested in its philosophical tenets, or fashionably view themselves as Buddhists. They’re part of what’s been described as the fastest growing religious movement in America: a large group of people dissatisfied with traditional religious offerings and thirsty for an approach to spirituality grounded in logic and consistent with scientific knowledge.

Unlock the secrets of ancient Buddhist wisdom with The Tripitaka for Beginners: An Introduction to the Three Baskets. This comprehensive guide opens the door to the profound teachings of the Buddha, making them accessible and understandable for newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Dive into the heart of Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and practice. The Tripitaka for Beginners demystifies the core texts that have shaped Buddhism for over two millennia, providing clear explanations and practical insights. Discover the Three Baskets: Explore the Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas, the ...

Unlock the secrets of Buddhist wisdom with "The Tripitaka and Milarepa: An Essential Guide," a meticulously crafted 2-in-1 volume that combines "The Tripitaka for Beginners" and "Milarepa: A Beginner's Guide." This indispensable guide is designed to illuminate your path to spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. Immerse yourself in the profound teachings of the Three Baskets and the life of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most revered masters. Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking to deepen your understanding, this book offers invaluable insights that are both timeless and transformative...

Theravada Buddhism, often understood as the school that most carefully preserved the practices taught by the Buddha, has undergone tremendous change over time. Prior to Western colonialism in Asia—which brought Western and modernist intellectual concerns, such as the separation of science and religion, to bear on Buddhism—there existed a tradition of embodied, esoteric, and culturally regional Theravada meditation practices.

From one of the world's foremost scholars on Hinduism, a vivid reinterpretation of its history.

Old Path White Clouds presents the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources, and retold by Thich Nhat Hanh in his inimitably beautiful style, this book traces the Buddha's life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy, and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself. Old Path White Clouds is destined to become a classic of religious literature.

Nearly every time you see him, he's laughing, or at least he's smiling. And he makes everyone else around him feel like smiling. He's the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, the Nobel Prize winner, and increasingly popular speaker and statesman. Why is he so popular? Even...

In his classic Buddhism Without Beliefs, Stephen Batchelor offered a profound, secular approach to the teachings of the Buddha that struck an emotional chord with Western audiences. Now, with the same brilliance and boldness of thought, he paints a groundbreaking portrait of the historical Buddha—told from the author's unique perspective as a former Buddhist monk and modern seeker.

Uncover Japan's Secrets in One Epic Volume From the mysterious Jōmon people to the heights of its technological prowess, Japan’s story is a 10,000-year saga of ruthless warriors, spiritual emperors, and revolutionary rebirth. Beneath the history books lie the timeless legends: the divine creation myths, the harrowing ghost stories, and the tales of samurai honor that define the nation's soul. Two manuscripts in one book: History of Japan: An Enthralling Journey Through Ancient Japanese Empires, the Shogunate Era, Cultural Renaissance, and Modern Period Japanese Folktales and Legends: An ...

"Gods & Goddesses: The Evolution of Human Spirituality” is an enlightening exploration of humanity’s evolving relationship with the divine, tracing the development of religious practices, deities, and spiritual movements across millennia. From the earliest animistic beliefs of prehistoric societies to the rise of monotheistic faiths, this book delves into the core of human spirituality, examining how ancient gods, rituals, and philosophies laid the foundation for modern religious and spiritual practices. Through a blend of historical analysis and cultural insight, the book explores the ...