Understanding Buddhism: Key Themes

by Heinrich Dumoulin, Joseph Stephen O'Leary (Translator)

An illuminating survey of key teachings, practices, and beliefs, including discussion of ancient and modern contacts between Buddhism and Western thought. Translated and adapted from the German by Joseph S. O'Leary. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

Reviews

[Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I absorbed a very small fraction of the information laid out in this book, not because the book was written poorly or due to a flaw of the author, but more because I think the intended audience is far more academic than I am. What I did take away was helpful in learning the basic concepts of Buddhism.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I read only the first couple of chapters for a research project. After rereading and mulling over the text, I had a deeper grasp of basic Buddhist concepts.
I recommend Huston Smith's chapter on Buddhism in "The World's Religions" as a more readable introduction to the topic.