Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings [Paperback]

Samuel Bercholz (Editor), Sherab Chödzin Kohn (Editor), Bernardo Bertolucci (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 14, 1993

The grandeur, simplicity, and freshness of the 2,500-year-old tradition of Buddhism are reflected in this collection of writings intended as a primer for newcomers to the subject as well as a reference for those familiar with Buddhism. The selections include: The story of the Buddha's life. A concise historical background. Key writings of Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism. Meditation instructions. A Buddhist explanation of reincarnation. Simple explanations of terms. A pictorial survey of Buddhist art and architecture.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A good introduction to basic Buddhist concepts with a short life of the Buddha. The organization is logical, with representative texts and commentaries from modern teachers such as Pema Chodron, Chogyam Trungpa, and Thich Nhat Hahn. (LJ 1/94)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In the introduction, Bernardo Bertolucci notes he couldn't say all the important things about Buddhism that he wanted to in his film Little Buddha; however, this thoughtful selection of Buddhist writings perhaps does. A folk-style account of the man called Buddha Shakyamuni leads into selections from the major branches of Buddhist belief and practice; all share a similar understanding of the world, and each extends the means by which a practitioner works toward enlightenment and nirvana. The selections are generally brief, informal pieces, some by teachers who focus on making Buddhist ideas accessible to westerners. Some heady concepts here, some practical thinking. In all, a fine introduction to the power of Buddhist thought. Virginia Dwyer

Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (December 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877739811
• ISBN-13: 978-0877739814
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #837,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come on in, the water's fine!, July 3, 2000

By 

"pecdoc" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings (Paperback)

This is an excellent introduction and intermediate level book on Buddhism. How can it be both? As an introduction, one would read each chapter through to gain an initial impression of the various key teachings and tenets of Buddhism. As one reads the book for the second or third time, one learns more and sees interconnectedness among topics, chapters, and ideas. Just as the teachers would have you do in their zendos, centers, and temples. If you are looking for a "what are the various types of Buddhism" book, then check out Nancy Wilson Ross' "Buddhism: A Way of Life and Thought." This book is more about the different teachings.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent anthologized introduction to all forms of Buddhism, June 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings (Paperback)

Entering the Stream is an excellent and unique introduction to Buddhism. Bercholz has put together writings from a variety of teachers representing the main types of Buddhism popular in the west. What makes this book so good is how well the varying writings are put together to form an ongoing narrative on the main principles of Buddhism--each represented by a teacher of the school that best expresses that particular principal. The result is outstanding as it offers not only factual information, but the "voice" of each particular tradition. Most of the pieces are excerpted from published books and it provides a good jumping off place for further reading

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new edition available as: THE BUDDHA AND HIS TEACHINGS, November 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings (Paperback)

The publisher has reissued this book in the Shambhala Classics series under the title: THE BUDDHA AND HIS TEACHINGS.