What do you think?
Rate this book
Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices
A modern guide to the teachings of Buddhism
An Introduction to the Buddha’s Life, Teachings, and Practices is an indispensable guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Readers will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they too can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom. Along with accessible overviews of central teachings―the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, core virtues like kindness and compassion, and more― Buddhism covers such basics
- the three main Buddhist traditions―Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana―historically and their relevance today
- the role of meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist practice
- step-by-step instruction in key Buddhist practices
Writing in an engaging, approachable style, author Joan Duncan Oliver outlines the fundamentals of Buddhism for every reader, revealing its timeless truths and their relevance for finding peace in uncertain times. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for forty years, Oliver has written extensively on Buddhist wisdom and its application to daily life. Her practical approach makes Buddhism an essential modern guidebook to an ancient tradition.
An Introduction to the Buddha’s Life, Teachings, and Practices is an indispensable guide to a 2,600-year-old wisdom tradition that has transformed the lives of millions across centuries and around the world. Readers will learn how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time, and discover how they too can follow his revolutionary methods to attain happiness and inner freedom. Along with accessible overviews of central teachings―the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma, core virtues like kindness and compassion, and more― Buddhism covers such basics
- the three main Buddhist traditions―Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana―historically and their relevance today
- the role of meditation and mindfulness in Buddhist practice
- step-by-step instruction in key Buddhist practices
Writing in an engaging, approachable style, author Joan Duncan Oliver outlines the fundamentals of Buddhism for every reader, revealing its timeless truths and their relevance for finding peace in uncertain times. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for forty years, Oliver has written extensively on Buddhist wisdom and its application to daily life. Her practical approach makes Buddhism an essential modern guidebook to an ancient tradition.
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2019
49 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 8, 2019
I’ve been studying Buddhism in earnest now for about 3 years. I’m raised and baptized Catholic, but having begun practicing Zen and self studying various texts, I think of myself as Buddhist, but am certainly not attached to labels anymore-thank you Buddhism! Anyway, this is a great book so far because it simplifies a lot of heady concepts that can often be confusing. I think a simplified statement about what Buddhism actually is would be this: practice and process are more important than outcome or goals. I’m finding this to be the case in my line of work(sales) as well!
A very important note that I should make, as I have been learning this as of late-it’s not bad to read about Buddha and Buddhism, but if you put none of what you learn into daily practice, it is essentially mental onanism. Lately, I’ve been working on anger...letting things just be, not allowing myself to “enjoy” being angry or fighting...its a process, but one that I think will lead to a better life for me and those around me. Daily meditation helps too. Start close to home on small things and it will create a ripple effect-this is how we end suffering.
A very important note that I should make, as I have been learning this as of late-it’s not bad to read about Buddha and Buddhism, but if you put none of what you learn into daily practice, it is essentially mental onanism. Lately, I’ve been working on anger...letting things just be, not allowing myself to “enjoy” being angry or fighting...its a process, but one that I think will lead to a better life for me and those around me. Daily meditation helps too. Start close to home on small things and it will create a ripple effect-this is how we end suffering.
January 10, 2025
Hmm. Fascinating. A very brief intro to an ancient human practice. I am intrigued!
September 17, 2020
As an introduction to Buddhism, I'd say that for the most part this is a great book. I learned a great deal and definitely used up a pen with underlining. The only thing I didn't like, however, would be its constant explanations of the origins of certain practices and lines of thought. Yes, I believe knowing the origin of things is important, but piled on top of other information it definitely made my head lull into a near sleep. The information was great, I just believe that it could have done well to have a separate section for the history of certain practices rather than mentioning them in the moment and detracting from the important information that is being conveyed. If I was to introduce a friend to Buddhism, I would definitely recommend this book, though with fair warning to take it in small doses as once I got past a few pages all of the words and places began to overwhelm my brain.
May 4, 2020
I stumbled by chance with this book while browsing for other books associated with a Buddhism and Modern Psychology course that I'm currently taking and I'm so glad I did. This book is basically what the title says 'an Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices'. The author is able to express complex teaching in a very simplistic but yer detail manner. Chapter 3 is a gem as an introduction to some very complex Buddhist concepts and the Buddha's biography was very enjoyable too.
That being said the fact that there are some comments about movie stars that perform this or that tradition was a little bit too superficial. But I'll definitely recommend it to someone that is just starting and being curious about the Buddha's life and teachings.
That being said the fact that there are some comments about movie stars that perform this or that tradition was a little bit too superficial. But I'll definitely recommend it to someone that is just starting and being curious about the Buddha's life and teachings.
January 9, 2022
"Buddhism: An Introduction to the Buddha's Life, Teachings, and Practices..." is a comprehensive guide for the study and practice of Buddhism. The author is able to outline the key tenets of Buddhism in an engaging and provocative style. The author outlines the various forms of Buddhism for anyone who would like to start a practice. Also included is an excellent glossary and a list of resources for further reading. This is one of the best introductory books on Buddhism which I would highly recommend.
December 1, 2021
Solid intro to the history and basic practices of different types of Buddhism. I listened to it on audiobook, I wish I read it because it’s pretty dense
September 17, 2020
"As an introduction to Buddhism, I'd say that for the most part this is a great book. I learned a great deal and definitely used up a pen with underlining. The only thing I didn't like, however, would be its constant explanations of the origins of certain practices and lines of thought. Yes, I believe knowing the origin of things is important, but piled on top of other information it definitely made my head lull into a near sleep. The information was great, I just believe that it could have done well to have a separate section for the history of certain practices rather than mentioning them in the moment and detracting from the important information that is being conveyed. If I was to introduce a friend to Buddhism, I would definitely recommend this book, though with fair warning to take it in small doses as once I got past a few pages all of the words and places began to overwhelm my brain." -Matt
March 12, 2020
Meh. Not what I was looking for. This seems like a decent overview of the religion, it’s history, and practices; but it feels a little amateur. I also feel like the author waters down ancient wisdom and viewpoints in favor of a 21st century interpretation - it was too morally relativistic. If the Buddha said “do this” or “don’t do that”, why aren’t we sticking with what he said - are we more enlightened that he was? Doubtful.
January 2, 2020
Great beginners overview of Buddhism. Ready to dive into more readings, to thoroughly understand Buddhist teachings.
March 2, 2020
Good overview. I'm really itching to try out the meditation techniques.
December 25, 2020
Wonderfully accessible and comprehensive. My curiosity is sparked!
But I borrowed a copy from the library and like 8 different pages were cleanly torn out!! Who would do that???
But I borrowed a copy from the library and like 8 different pages were cleanly torn out!! Who would do that???
July 15, 2021
An excellent primer on Buddhism, distilling the history and varied practices into a concise, accessible volume designed to introduce neophytes and set them on a pathway within this belief system. Well-written, clear, and lucid, focusing on aspects of Buddhist practice and belief that are, if not the most accessible to Westerners, at least the least jarring. I can think of nothing similar, except C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. Highly recommend.
As far as Buddhism itself, though...
One of the greatest mistakes a student of religion can make is to divorce it from the historical and societal context in which it arose, and teach it in isolation under a new one. This invariably distorts the purpose and meaning of the religious tenets as they were developed.
In Buddhism's case, that context is the highly-stratified and stagnant caste system of ancient India that had developed as a result of Hinduism, circa 2600 years ago. Nothing about Siddhartha Gautama, neither his journey to become the Buddha, nor his development of the Middle Way, nor even his conscious aversion to answering metaphysical questions, makes sense except in the light of Buddhism as a response to the cultural environment of his time. There are numerous aspects of Buddhism that seem specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle the five-tiered caste system of ancient India and replace it with something more grounded and humane.
On that count, Buddhism is pretty brilliant. A stripped-back, efficient, decentralized religious system that simultaneously built upon, refined, deconstructed, and inverted familiar Hindu concepts, all at once, that doesn't descend into an Imperial Cult? That's... a work of genius.
The problem is that Gautama could not truly shake off the limitations of Hinduism, by adopting this approach. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Buddhism's central doctrine that there is no self. If there is no true self, there is nothing that can accumulate karma, and furthermore, nothing that can be reincarnated. Gautama himself famously refused to answer this conundrum (one of eight such refusals), on the grounds that contemplation of this matter would not lead to Enlightenment.
Yet, in the light of Buddhism as a response to Hinduism, this becomes clear: Gautama wished to deliver individuals from the strict caste system that favored the wealthy and privileged. He wanted them to see their fellow humans as equals, but the karmic system of reincarnation in Hinduism had so stratified and stagnated society by his day that helping any less-fortunate individuals was believed to be interfering in their karma, dooming them to further cycles of death and rebirth by preventing them from learning their lessons.
So, the simplest solution to this was to deny the self. No self, no karma. No karma, and you can break the caste system at once.
He still needed a moral compass, though. So Gautama kept some aspects of the karmic reincarnation system, but basically, when confronted with the contradiction, said, "Yeah, don't look at that too closely", like a Hollywood screenwriter avoiding a thinly-veiled plot hole.
The sad part about Buddhism is how, like nearly all religions, it has strayed from its original purpose. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Mindfulness movement, a watered-down Prosperity Theology for Buddhists that caters to the same "rich, white, and well-educated" (in the author's words) demographic that comprised the base of the original American Buddhist converts.
What is more in line with the Buddha's original intentions is the Engaged Buddhism movement spearheaded by Thich Nhat Hanh. I had heard of this approach by its association with Thomas Merton, but having heard more of it from this author, I will be digging deeper into that branch in my future studies.
A religion that caters to the elite and promises ease through empty ritual is a con. Pure and undefiled religion concerns itself wholly with the plight of the refugee, the orphan, and the widow. The Buddha knew this, and advocated for all humans, regardless of class.
May we all do the same.
As far as Buddhism itself, though...
One of the greatest mistakes a student of religion can make is to divorce it from the historical and societal context in which it arose, and teach it in isolation under a new one. This invariably distorts the purpose and meaning of the religious tenets as they were developed.
In Buddhism's case, that context is the highly-stratified and stagnant caste system of ancient India that had developed as a result of Hinduism, circa 2600 years ago. Nothing about Siddhartha Gautama, neither his journey to become the Buddha, nor his development of the Middle Way, nor even his conscious aversion to answering metaphysical questions, makes sense except in the light of Buddhism as a response to the cultural environment of his time. There are numerous aspects of Buddhism that seem specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle the five-tiered caste system of ancient India and replace it with something more grounded and humane.
On that count, Buddhism is pretty brilliant. A stripped-back, efficient, decentralized religious system that simultaneously built upon, refined, deconstructed, and inverted familiar Hindu concepts, all at once, that doesn't descend into an Imperial Cult? That's... a work of genius.
The problem is that Gautama could not truly shake off the limitations of Hinduism, by adopting this approach. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Buddhism's central doctrine that there is no self. If there is no true self, there is nothing that can accumulate karma, and furthermore, nothing that can be reincarnated. Gautama himself famously refused to answer this conundrum (one of eight such refusals), on the grounds that contemplation of this matter would not lead to Enlightenment.
Yet, in the light of Buddhism as a response to Hinduism, this becomes clear: Gautama wished to deliver individuals from the strict caste system that favored the wealthy and privileged. He wanted them to see their fellow humans as equals, but the karmic system of reincarnation in Hinduism had so stratified and stagnated society by his day that helping any less-fortunate individuals was believed to be interfering in their karma, dooming them to further cycles of death and rebirth by preventing them from learning their lessons.
So, the simplest solution to this was to deny the self. No self, no karma. No karma, and you can break the caste system at once.
He still needed a moral compass, though. So Gautama kept some aspects of the karmic reincarnation system, but basically, when confronted with the contradiction, said, "Yeah, don't look at that too closely", like a Hollywood screenwriter avoiding a thinly-veiled plot hole.
The sad part about Buddhism is how, like nearly all religions, it has strayed from its original purpose. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Mindfulness movement, a watered-down Prosperity Theology for Buddhists that caters to the same "rich, white, and well-educated" (in the author's words) demographic that comprised the base of the original American Buddhist converts.
What is more in line with the Buddha's original intentions is the Engaged Buddhism movement spearheaded by Thich Nhat Hanh. I had heard of this approach by its association with Thomas Merton, but having heard more of it from this author, I will be digging deeper into that branch in my future studies.
A religion that caters to the elite and promises ease through empty ritual is a con. Pure and undefiled religion concerns itself wholly with the plight of the refugee, the orphan, and the widow. The Buddha knew this, and advocated for all humans, regardless of class.
May we all do the same.
September 4, 2020
About the only thing I have to complain about here is that there were a few pointed pop culture/current topic comments that were rather barbed sprinkled in. While I don't disagree with them, they felt like a blanket snide comment at western (particularly Americans) issues. Enough that it took me out of the learning experience. Otherwise I really enjoyed learning and seeing what this is all about.
October 24, 2023
A good introduction to Buddhist wisdom. At times, it goes into too much detail about the origin lines, and that could get the reader's mind to wander off. However, the story of how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, the mapping out of how Buddism has evolved, plus the step-by-step practices explained definetly make this book a great one for any beginner.
February 17, 2021
But of a slog to read, but definitely learned a lot about Buddhism , the history and the practice . It was from a very high level but gave me the basics. Something that really resonated with me, life is suffering, and life will be lived over and over again until you find enlightenment.
July 6, 2022
This book does what it says it will do. It is an introduction to the Buddha's life, teachings, and practices. I listened to this on audiobook, and at times found myself thinking someone was reading me a textbook.
November 18, 2022
A great book that does its job simply. Here are the main lists and facts about Buddhism and these are some practices to get you started. I don't think this book claims to aim for anything higher and simply lays a foundation.
July 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this introduction to Buddhism. Very insightful, well written and the perfect length for a book introducing someone to the history and practices of Buddhism. Highly recommend this book as a starting point to learning about Buddhism.
April 13, 2022
The beginning does a very job of explaining the history of the Buddha and Buddhism.
November 3, 2022
Easy read for understanding basic introduction of the Buddha.
January 23, 2023
This did act as a general overview of many different Buddhist practices- it just wasn’t all that impressive or well organized for my liking.
May 19, 2023
Very good high level introduction to buddhist practices. I wish it was a little more in depth but definitely a good beginners guide
July 29, 2023
A good overview for someone interested in the specific principles of Buddhism... which was too much detail for me.
August 9, 2023
Brilliant and accessible introduction to Buddhism.
December 4, 2023
Great intro book into Buddhism. You'll want to read more books to get more in-depth on the practices and techniques.
December 28, 2023
great introduction to buddhist practices and ideology. big resource section at the end of the book
April 4, 2024
Kinda boring for my taste but some sound content.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews