Buddha for Beginners (Paperback)

~ (Author), PhD (Author)
Key Phrases: Majjhima Nikaya, Right Understanding, Pure Land (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Revising his 1996 illustrated primer, Asma (The Gods Drink Whiskey) explores the key tenets of Buddhism in the style of a graphic novel. A sparse text punctuated by extensive illustrations—some cartoonlike and others more serious and detailed—describes Siddhartha Gautamas enlightenment, what the Buddha taught and how Buddhism developed as the Buddhas followers encountered various Asian cultures. Asma, a professor of philosophy at Chicagos Columbia College, argues that Buddhist ideas are deeply misunderstood in the West, and he distinguishes these from Buddhist culture. Placing Buddhism in the context of Hindu philosophy, Asma explores the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the five aggregates, the concept of no-self and other ideas critical to this Asian religion. He liberally references specific Hindu and Buddhist scriptures and tackles such tricky subjects as how reincarnation can occur if an immortal self doesnt exist. Asma also briefly touches on the role of women as Buddhism developed. His take on which current forms hold closest to the Buddhas teachings may provoke disagreement from some practitioners. This brief, irreverent tour of Buddhism and the sometimes humorous, sometimes grotesque, illustrations wont be to all tastes; the book includes adult images. (Jan.) 
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Product Description

Originally published by Writers and Readers in 1998, this is an iconoclastic, illustrated romp through the life of the Buddha both a credible exploration of his life and teachings and an entertaining introduction to the philosophy of Buddhism.

Many Westerners know about the meditation practices of Buddhism, but few understand the Buddha's philosophical teachings. This book puts the teachings (dharma) in their proper context and unravels some of the more dense knots of Buddha's thinking. And it does all this while entertaining the reader with humorous illustrations and pop-culture sensibility. This primer, constructed like a graphic novel, cuts through the New Age nonsense that is often mistaken for Buddhism. Asma is perceptive and passionate. Buddha for Beginners is truly a book that engages the intellect, opens the heart, and expands the spirit.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Pub Co; Revised & enlarged edition (December 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571745955
• ISBN-13: 978-1571745958
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #710,029 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for beginners in Buddhism, December 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddha for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book, 79,) (Paperback)

For all those who want a general idea on Buddhism:

This book is a MUST. If you are interested in Buddhism, this book gives all the beginning information you need. It tells the life and history of Siddhartha, making it easier to understand his actions by providing a general outline of the religions followed at the time. Even for old hands, this book provides an interesting crash course in what Buddhism was meant to mean.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to keep., March 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddha for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book, 79,) (Paperback)

Stephen, in this remarkable book, is able to portray both Buddha and his message with great beauty and vividness. While it is extremely suited for a beginner, anyone interested in Buddha will find this slim book a pleasure to read. Despite the author's "absolutist" presentation of Nagarjuna's views (perhaps Stephen is a fan of the likes of Prof. Murti and Ed. Conze) and a rather unsatisfactory treatment of the other prevailing philosophies of the land (now I am nitpicking), it is an outstanding book for its intended readers and an excellent one for everyone.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining account of the life & teachings of Buddha, December 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddha for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book, 79,) (Paperback)

Mr. Asma treats his subject matter with a wit and irreverance that makes for very entertaining reading. However, he shows his respect for the teachings of Buddhism by referring to the writing of Siddhartha himself, rather than rely on many of the myths and misinformation that have been disseminated about the life and teachings of the "historical" Buddha.