Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide [Mass Market Paperback]

Christmas Humphreys (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140134832
• ISBN-13: 978-0140134834
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,142,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for it's Time, but...., August 7, 2002

By 

James S. Taylor (Scarborough, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide (Pelican) (Mass Market Paperback)

Considered one of the original classic introductory level works on Buddhism, this book has been continually reprinted somewhere in the world for half a century. Humphreys writes with passion about the doctrines and beliefs that have become a living reality in his life, and it is this edge that draws readers in spite of the fact that, content-wise, it has been clearly surpassed by more recent introductions, such as Harvey's. The other reviews here tell you its strengths, so let me make a few warnings. First, a reader new to Buddhist thought needs to be aware that Humphrey's opinions about the subject are colored, sometimes deeply, by his exposure to a syncretistic religion called Theosophy, which attempted to bridge Eastern and Western religions. As such, he is not always clearly Buddhist, but reflects Theosophical beliefs, particularly in his discussions on Self and Oneness. Second, due to this bridging need, a number of comments and comparisons are drawn with Christianity that are either out of context or which disappear when the actual details are examined. Third, the book represents a rationalistic approach to Buddhism, typical of the times, and proceeds on such assumptions as that Buddhism contains no assumptions, which cannot be taken seriously at this point. Due to these issues, and its dated nature compared to recent introductions, I would recommend reading some of the later before trying this one.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a classic introduction to buddhism, February 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is one of the best introductions ever written on buddhism. It clearly explains who the buddha is, the infinite powers of the mind, the role of nirvana, karma and other aspects of buddhism. The book is well written and clearly explains all aspects of buddhism. Some books are cryptic when it comes to explaining buddhism. Some books on zen are notorious for this. Others do not know what they are talking about, they take Nirvana to mean extinction of an individuals identity, which it is not. This book clearly explains that buddhism is actually a very simple, but profound philosophy. It particulary explains in an intellegent and easily understood manner the difference between nirvana and paranirvana. It shows that by meditation one can enter nirvana which is the ceasing of suffering and rebirth. Paranirvana is attaining more and more degrees of enlightenment after attaining nirvana. These degrees of enlightenment are infinite. A truly wonderful and excellent book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic, August 16, 2000

By 

Sarakani (Harrow United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism: An Introduction and Guide (Mass Market Paperback)

Written in the 50's this was one of the first and the most comprehensive introduction on the subject at the popular level. I read it because a 98 year old English lady had become a Buddhist after reading it 35 years ago.

Humphries is extremely enthusiastic and his formulation is negatively biased towards certain schools of Buddhism but he is very hot on Buddhist art, Zen and trying to explain duality, multiplicity and unity.

It makes a good read as long as you don't swallow all of it and compare it with other more modern texts. C. Humphries own personal integrity shines through which is what makes the book a treasure.