Holy Places of the Buddha Crystal Mirror 9 (Crystal Mirror Series) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Cook (Author)

Book Description

Series: Crystal Mirror Series | Publication Date: January 1, 1994

An illustrated guide to the eight holy places of the Buddha - Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagara, Shravasti, Samkashya, and Vaishali - and the six Dharma regions of the Sotuh Asian subcobntinent.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Cook begins with a review of the shrines in eight Indian locations important in the life of the historical Buddha, including his birthplace and the place of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Citing relevant Mahayana texts, he explains why these places are important for Buddhism. Cook reviews each shrine's physical makeup, the types of pilgrimage and veneration associated with it through the centuries, the results of archaeological investigation, various modern pilgrimages to the shrine, and what may currently be seen there. He reviews six major Dharma (teaching) regions of India, then takes a geographical approach and surveys the various shrines and temples in various regions of India and also in Afghanistan. What makes the book especially useful is Cook's placement of the information about each shrine in the larger context of events in Buddhist history associated with that location. Recommended for informed lay readers.
David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 481 pages
• Publisher: Dharma Publishing (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898000017
• ISBN-13: 978-0898002447
• ASIN: 0898002443
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,849,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Geography

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most detailed guide available, December 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Holy Places of the Buddha Crystal Mirror 9 (Crystal Mirror Series) (Paperback)

This is probably the most detailed and thorough guide available to the sacred sites of Buddhism in South Asia, where it first developed. Today this land includes not only the various regions of India, but also Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and "Holy Places of the Buddha" includes all of them. Each site is given a full description, including its place in Buddhist history and its condition today, and much of the text is accompanied by helpful maps and photographs. It would take a very long review just to list the many sites that are covered. The real value of this book is in providing a background understanding of the Buddhist holy places, but separate guidebooks (such as the Lonely Planet guides) will be required for instructions on how to get to each place. For anyone interested in Buddhism or South Asian history, and especially for anyone interested in making a pilgrimage to any of the sacred and historic places of Buddhism, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars where the Buddha lived the events and locations, September 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Holy Places of the Buddha Crystal Mirror 9 (Crystal Mirror Series) (Paperback)

This book was a friendly companion on my trip to India and Nepal. It fully describes events of the Buddha's life that occured at each location. In doing so it brings these Holy Places to life both then and now.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide, well written, October 27, 2008

By 

Claus Hetting (Gentofte, Copenhagen Denmark) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Holy Places of the Buddha Crystal Mirror 9 (Crystal Mirror Series) (Paperback)

An excellent guide to the holiest places of Buddhism. Elizabeth Cook writes beautifully in crystal clear, eloquent English about the events that tie the life of Buddha Sakyamuni to these locations. There is enough excellent Buddhist teachings in this book for every reader to discover something about the religion, but also enough historical detail and interesting stories for anyone to enjoy.