Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Damien Keown's book is a readable and wonderfully lucid introduction to one of mankind's most beautiful, profound, and compelling systems of wisdom. The rise of the East makes understanding and learning from Buddhism, a living doctrine, more urgent than ever before. Keown's impressive powers of explanation help us to come to terms with a vital contemporary reality."--Bryan Appleyard, columnist, The Sunday Times (London)
"The perfect book for anyone seeking to learn more about this religion....Holistic in its approach, Buddhism gives readers insight into an ancient and profound religion."--Medium
"An excellent and highly readable account of a complex and multifarious subject."--New Straits Times

Product Description

This accessible volume covers both the teachings of the Buddha and the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? What or who is the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and how can contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as "karma" and "nirvana" have entered our vocabulary, but what do they really mean? Keown has taught Buddhism at an introductory level for many years, and in this book he provides a lively, challenging response to these frequently asked questions.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192853864
• ISBN-13: 978-0192853868
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #81,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Say, do you have a book I can read about this Buddha stuff?, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

I wish I had read this book when I was first attempting to learn about Buddhism, because it is clear, concise, accurate, and (usually) respectful. It briefly covers the historical Buddha, the development and foundations of the different major branches, and the major themes, beliefs, and ideas. People are always asking me for a book that "explains Buddhism" and I always want to offer them something that has a good chance of opening their eyes. I used to give "What the Buddha Taught" but I plan on giving this in the future. Even though studious Buddhists may already know all the information here, it is still beautiful to read again in its simplicity and profunity. Also, a great biography.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very valuable insights in a very short introduction, February 15, 2001

By A Customer

This is not only an accessible volume, but also a very insightful one. Damien Keown has a good understanding of Buddhism and presented it in a short and simple format. Yet within its simplicity lies many valuable pearls and insights that are rarely seen in books of this size. There is the brief discussion on what is suffering in which he explain to great clarity why certain terms were used and what they mean. His dicussion on ethics is excellent. I would strongly recommend it to any reader, be it those only seeking a brief introduction or those who are already very well read on Buddhism.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rapid religion, January 26, 2001

By	Sarakani (Harrow United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

The quality of a factual book should be judged by its lack of overt partiality, comprehensiveness, sources and ability to make you think and ask questions. This book scores well on all points and above all reads like an essay which you can zap through.

It contains a good bibliography for follow up reading and includes details of the the award winning "Journal of Buddhist ethics" on the web which was partly established by the author. Apart from the author's erudition his book is backed up by other experts and has been reviewed by his students.

Above all the book analyses what is meant by religion (as Buddhism does not easily fit this classification) and provides a modern interpretation of this system of thought from all its major perspectives. The treatment of Mahayana Buddhism short, yet precise and on the whole Keown concentrates on highlights. Towards the end is a discussion on Buddhism in the West. The book also provides useful comparisons with other religions.

Compared to many small and "cheap" introductions to Buddhism, this book is fairly impeccable. It is not perfect (2 tiny errors I identified with regards to scriptural quotations) but will lead anyone interested to work out what Buddhism is for him or herself, rather than being spoon fed as it were. I was however, disappointed that the book ended so fast - and glad at the follow up leads left, by this trustworthy writer.