Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) [Paperback]

Damien Keown (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0192853295 | ISBN-13: 978-0192853295 | Publication Date: January 16, 1997

This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Buddhism: Questions for Consideration and Discussion

In what ways is the Buddhist worldview similar to or different from the traditional Western one, and how do both of these compare to the current scientific way of thinking? Are the Buddhist and Western conceptions incompatible?

Does it make sense to believe in reincarnation? If "no," are people like the Buddha deluded when they claim to remember past lives? If "yes," what evidence is there for it? What difference would it make to you now if you believed you would be reborn and live again?

Is karma the same as destiny, in the sense that everything that happens to you is predetermined? Do you believe that "what goes around comes around," and if so is this the same as karma? Does everyone get what they deserve, in the end?

Do people have a soul, and if so, what is it like? If not, what is it that makes you who you are, and how do you remain the same person if--as science tells us--the material basis of your being changes continuously? If your memories changed, would you be someone else?

Is Buddhism more or less environmentally friendly than Christianity? Which aspects of Buddhist teachings might make it appear in harmony with contemporary ecological attitudes? Do you think Buddha was concerned about the environment?

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

"Damien Keown's book is a readable and wonderfully lucid introduction to one of mankind's most beautiful, profound, and compelling systems of wisdom. The rise of the East makes understanding and learning from Buddhism, a living doctrine, more urgent than ever before. Keown's impressive powers of explanation help us to come to terms with a vital contemporary reality."--Bryan Appleyard, columnist, The Sunday Times (London)

"The perfect book for anyone seeking to learn more about this religion....Holistic in its approach, Buddhism gives readers insight into an ancient and profound religion."--Medium

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192853295
• ISBN-13: 978-0192853295
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,619,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Damien Keown is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Ethics at Goldsmiths College, University of London. His research interests centre on the study of contemporary moral problems from a Buddhist perspective. He is co-founder of The Journal of Buddhist Ethics and the author of the best-selling 'Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction' and 'Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short Introduction', both from Oxford University Press and also available on Amazon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Say, do you have a book I can read about this Buddha stuff?, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

I wish I had read this book when I was first attempting to learn about Buddhism, because it is clear, concise, accurate, and (usually) respectful. It briefly covers the historical Buddha, the development and foundations of the different major branches, and the major themes, beliefs, and ideas. People are always asking me for a book that "explains Buddhism" and I always want to offer them something that has a good chance of opening their eyes. I used to give "What the Buddha Taught" but I plan on giving this in the future. Even though studious Buddhists may already know all the information here, it is still beautiful to read again in its simplicity and profunity. Also, a great biography.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rapid religion, January 26, 2001

By 

Sarakani (Harrow United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

The quality of a factual book should be judged by its lack of overt partiality, comprehensiveness, sources and ability to make you think and ask questions. This book scores well on all points and above all reads like an essay which you can zap through.

It contains a good bibliography for follow up reading and includes details of the the award winning "Journal of Buddhist ethics" on the web which was partly established by the author. Apart from the author's erudition his book is backed up by other experts and has been reviewed by his students.

Above all the book analyses what is meant by religion (as Buddhism does not easily fit this classification) and provides a modern interpretation of this system of thought from all its major perspectives. The treatment of Mahayana Buddhism short, yet precise and on the whole Keown concentrates on highlights. Towards the end is a discussion on Buddhism in the West. The book also provides useful comparisons with other religions.

Compared to many small and "cheap" introductions to Buddhism, this book is fairly impeccable. It is not perfect (2 tiny errors I identified with regards to scriptural quotations) but will lead anyone interested to work out what Buddhism is for him or herself, rather than being spoon fed as it were. I was however, disappointed that the book ended so fast - and glad at the follow up leads left, by this trustworthy writer.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very valuable insights in a very short introduction, February 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

This is not only an accessible volume, but also a very insightful one. Damien Keown has a good understanding of Buddhism and presented it in a short and simple format. Yet within its simplicity lies many valuable pearls and insights that are rarely seen in books of this size. There is the brief discussion on what is suffering in which he explain to great clarity why certain terms were used and what they mean. His dicussion on ethics is excellent. I would strongly recommend it to any reader, be it those only seeking a brief introduction or those who are already very well read on Buddhism.