Buddhism: A Complete Introduction is a comprehensive and easy-to-use introduction; designed to give you everything you need to succeed; all in one place. Written by a leading expert; this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay; or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. It is structured to mirror the way in which Buddhism is usually taught; starting with the life of the Buddha through to the prospects of Buddhism for the next generation.The book covers all the key areas that are considered central to Buddhism; including the Buddha's teachings; the scriptures and schools; the role of meditation and the moral and ethical context. It uses jargon-free English and includes features such as guided further reading and end of chapter questions to ensure that you understand all the concepts covered. Buddhism: A Complete Introduction includes: Chapter 1: Buddhists and BuddhismWho are Buddhists?The Three JewelsThe Three RefugesBuddhist PracticeIn conclusion Chapter 2: The life of the BuddhaThe Buddha's significanceThe Four SightsGoing forthSelf-mortificationThe enlightenmentTurning the wheel of the dharmaThe missionThe growth of the SanghaParanirvanaIn conclusion Chapter 3: The Buddha's teachingThe first Nobel Truth: all is suffering (dukkha)The second Noble Truth: the origins of suffering (samudaya)The third Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering (nirodha)The fourth Noble Truth: the path to the cessation of suffering (magga)Chapter 4: Buddhist scriptures and schoolsThe Theravada ScripturesThe Mahayana ScripturesPure Land BuddhismThe Ch'an and Zen SchoolsThe Tibetan ScripturesIn conclusionChapter 5: Meditation and devotion1 Mind and heart2 Heart and mind3 Devotion as homage4 Salvific devotionIn conclusionChapter 6: Ethical conductSila skilfulnessThe practicality of buddhist ethicsWorking on yourself and othersThe precepts and the dharmaRenunciationIn conclusionChapter 7: Moral IssuesThe natural worldHuman societyIn conclusionChapter 8: The social orderOrdinationCelibacyWeddings and marriagesFamily lifeDeath and dyingIn conclusionChapter 9: Festivals and ceremoniesTheravada festivalsTibetan festivalsJapanese and Chinese festivalsWestern Buddhist festivalsIn conclusionChapter 10: Budhist today: East and WestThe spread of BuddhismBuddhism in IndiaThe revival of BuddhismBuddhism in South-East AsiaMissionary activityTibetan BuddhismBuddhism in the WestIn conclusionChapter 11: Transition; adaptation and influence: prospects for Buddhism in the twenty-first centuryInto the twenty-first centuryViews from the WestTransmitting Buddhism to a new generationIn conclusionLearn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and added features:Not got much time?One; five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.Author insightsLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success; based on the author's many years of experience.Test yourselfTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.Extend your knowledgeExtra online articles to give you a richer understanding of psychology.Five things to rememberQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.Try thisInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
#737207 in Books Osprey Publishing 2015-04-21 2015-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.79 x .21 x 7.26l; .52 #File Name: 147280654980 pages9781472806543
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Useful information corrects many adverse stereotypesBy Joseph R. MartanExcellent comparative analysis which provides much useful information establishing that the Russian Army wasn't the poorly equipped force we have been led to believe. Case in point - the Russian uniform turns out to have been far more practical and user-friendly than the German uniform; the Mosin-Nagant rifle was a good solid weapon and the Russian rations were basic but plentiful. Too bad the leadership was so inept in using this human material.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Worth it for the little known part of ww1By pantherThis volume follows the same set up and unfortunately the same M.O as most in this series ; namely have a pre conceived conviction and cherry pick three battles to prove your point.In this case that the Russian infantry of 1914/15 were a lot better than given credit(I do believe that any unit in any country can fight very well with good leadership and equipment ).Case in point is that every battle described here involves the same Russian unit; the 27 inf. Div . It seems that it was chosen because it was one of the best if not the best Russian unit in east Prussia in 1914 if not the best?. In summing up I believe his conclusions would hold a lot more weight if he seemed to truly pick a cross section of units rather than just one. That said the book is worth getting if your are a fan of ww1 history of only because it deals with a seldom seen sike in English and it is well illustrated .0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great look into how these two forces conscriptedBy Rob GGreat look into how these two forces conscripted; trained and fought each other during the first two years of WW1. What type of people the soldiers were; tactics; gear; weapons and command structure. It's definitely for the harder core WW1 history buff and not the casual reader. I really enjoyed it and it's great reference material.
