Customer Reviews

Religions of the World Series: Buddhism

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This book is an exceptional introduction for the beginner in Buddhism. It covers all the major points in a form that is easily understood. The author clearly has a deep understanding of Buddhism, but has gone to great lengths to write in a style that is accessible to the average person. Highly recommended for those beginning their study of this fascinating religion.

To the Western mind raised around religions where a supreme being is constantly appealed to and expected to intervene favorably in your lives, Eastern religions can appear baffling. The symbolism, images and beliefs seem contradictory to the Judeo-Christian theses. However, there is a lot of similarity between the religions, as all have as their basis a fundamental code of ethics.
Hawkins covers the origin of Buddhism from the time of Gautama, the spread throughout the Asian continent, the major variants and the extent to which it is currently practiced. No short book could possibly cover all aspects of a complex religion, and this book is no exception. However, if you are someone who was raised in a Judeo-Christian culture and are interested in learning the basics of Buddhism, this book is an excellent choice of material.