Teach Yourself Buddhism (Teach Yourself: Philosophy And Religion) [Paperback]

Clive Erricker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2003 | Series: Teach Yourself: Philosophy And Religion

As the popularity of Buddhism has stretched across the globe, the religion has taken on many forms, which are now present in the West and growing in variety. Teach Yourself Buddhism examines this historical journey, illustrating the persistent relevance of Buddha's teachings. Drawing on varied sources to evoke the spirit of Buddhism and to allow Buddhists to speak for themselves, the book provides in-depth coverage of the diversity of Buddhism and Buddhist practices. This new edition also provides an insightful examination of the role of Buddhism in the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An accessible introduction to the theories and practice of Buddhism. -- 'The Middle Way': Journal of the Buddhist Society --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Clive Erricker has. written extensively on Buddhism and other religious traditions as well as on religious and spiritual education..

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 3 edition (September 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071426558
• ISBN-13: 978-0071426558
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,428,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not As Good As It Could Have Been, December 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Teach Yourself Buddhism (World Faiths Series) (Paperback)

Although this book does give some basic information about Buddhism, I found it misleading as well. Erricker is obviously an "outsider" looking in on Buddhism and does not seem to have all his facts straight. After researching Buddhism myself, I found that this book was not adequate in teaching someone about Buddhism. I would think twice before buying this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad beginner book, June 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Teach Yourself Buddhism, New Edition (Paperback)

This book, in my opinion, concentrates too much on the Western view of Buddhism. It leaves the reader (especially the begginer) with the feeling that England (as well as some of the organizations mentioned in the book) is the authority in Buddhism. However, this book does serve as a begginer's guide to Buddhism. It gives a basic rundown of Buddhism as a whole. What I found most useful was the section on customs and festivals but the book is useful overall. For the reader who is expecting "enlightenment" or just a comprehensive look into Buddhism, this book will not prove very helpful. However, the general reader will find it a valuable foundation. I recommend the book by Donald S. Lopez, Jr., "The Story of Buddhism: A Concise Guide to Its History & Teachings" for readers who are seeking further knowledge of Buddhism.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars try to teach yourself buddhism, January 29, 2003

By 

petey_boy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teach Yourself Buddhism (World Faiths Series) (Paperback)

Not bad but they spent way too much time on western Buddhism. I was trying to learn more about Buddhism but hearing about Buddhists in England doesn't really teach you much. If anyone knows of a Buddhist book that talks about the religion and how it is practiced in Southeast Asia (not North America), please recommend.