Fundamentals of Mainstream Buddhism (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) [Paperback]

Eric Cheetham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tuttle Library of Enlightenment | Publication Date: September 15, 1994

Translating the Buddhist sutras, as well as the major texts and commentaries of the first centuries after the BuddhaÆs death, Eric Cheetham—of the distinguished Buddhist Society of London—seeks out Buddhism's fundamental teachings.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Mainstream" is defined here as the early Indian teaching of Buddha himself but is not restricted to the canon written in the Pali language. It reflects Hinayana texts also accepted by Mahayana adherents. A London Buddhist Society scholar and lecturer, Cheetham is a seasoned Buddhist of 40 years. Using major texts and commentaries, he tackles the difficult concepts of dependent arising, reassembly of one's constitution after rebirth, karmic ripening, etc. But the meditative techniques he presents are more suitable for committed Buddhists than novices. While helpful metaphors abound, Cheetham's writing style is thorough but unexciting. Concerned with the purity of the Buddha's teachings, he uses many Sanskrit and Pali terms in the belief that students must gain a familiarity with the Hinayana foundations of the Mahayana ideals. Not for the neophyte, this book is recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Dara Eklund, Los Angeles P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Prepared by the Buddhist Society of London, Fundamentals of Mainstream Buddhism presents the major topics of the first phase of Indian Buddhism, sometimes referred to as the Hinayana or "the Small Vehicle. " The material is drawn from major texts and commentaries, translated from the Pali and Sanskrit languages, that were recorded and accepted by the Indian Buddhists of the first centuries after the death of Shakyamuni Buddha. The teachings of this early period can be broadly classified as "mainstream" Buddhism and consist of the sutras that are believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. This work offers a clear presentation of the Buddha's teachings that the reader can use as a foundation for further study or actual Buddhist practice, regardless of the tradition he or she wishes to follow. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (September 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804830088
• ISBN-13: 978-0804830089
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,795,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful survey of the buddhist thought, March 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Fundamentals of Mainstream Buddhism (Tuttle Library of Enlightenment) (Paperback)

I've never read anyone else who weaved together all of the Pali and Sanskrit literature so thoroughly. Fairly soon after Buddha's death Buddhism split into many schools. Chunks of the literature from these different schools still exist making the actual situation more complex than the usual idea that "the Pali Canon is oldest and everything else came later." Cheetham weaves together a single version of Buddhism from the variety of sources. It's a delightful job of reconstruction whether you agree with him on every point of not :) Well worth the read for any serious student, but not exactly the first book one should read on Buddhism.