Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide

by Donald S. Lopez Jr.

Much of what we hear about Buddhism today in the West focuses on its philosophy, and how it can change one's life. Throughout history, however, Buddhism's mythology, scriptures, heroes, and its promise for salvation from rebirth have been the Buddhist teachings that most people have known. Religion professor Donald Lopez has mastered a good deal of this immense lore and managed with Buddhism to get it into a manageable package. Rather than providing a chronological history or country-by-country breakdown, Lopez explores general topics, meandering through two-and-a-half millennia, from India to Japan. In sections such as "Monastic Life", "Tantra", and "Pilgrimage", he talks about the origins of each topic and its mainstream manifestations. In addition, he spices up his work with delectable, if occasionally bizarre, examples from specific cultures. There is, for instance, the story of the depraved man who, once having said the words "Lotus Sutra" was saved from Hell. And the tale of the practice called the "act of truth" in which a perfectly candid statement can have magical powers. Or the story of the monk who attempted to rescue some maggots by opening his own flesh for them. No doubt, Buddhism is interesting, but it takes a competent scholar and a good storyteller to get it just right. Lopez fills the bill. --Brian Bruya

Genres: Buddhism

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2001

About the author

Donald Sewell Lopez, Jr. (born 1952) is the Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies at the University of Michigan, in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures.

Son of the deputy director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Donald S. Lopez.

Reviews

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

traumatizzata a vita da certe robe, affascinata a bomba da altre: basta che passo l'esame!

[Maerose SCN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides an explanation to Buddhism theories and practices. I couldn’t help but imagine some parallelisms between Buddhism and Christianity.

[Fabio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un piccolo ma eccellente libro introduttivo al buddismo che lo presenta come una antica e complessa religione piuttosto che una semplice filosofia di vita.