The Buddha: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

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`admirably well-paced and informative.' Galen Strawson, Sunday Times --n/a

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`admirably well-paced and informative.' Galen Strawson, Sunday Times

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Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192854534
• ISBN-13: 978-0192854537
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #681,592 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to early Buddhist thought, November 6, 2003

By	David Fowler (Santa Barbara, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Buddha (Past Masters) (Paperback)

This book, perhaps better than any other I've read, brings to light the unique philosophical position of the Buddha. Carrithers clearly explains how the Buddha stood out from the intellectual background of his time and helps one understand how and why the Buddha arrived at his views. A brilliant account of the Buddha's life and teachings not only for its scholarship but also for its refreshing lucidity.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way of the Buddha , April 3, 2005

By	Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Buddha (Past Masters) (Paperback)

One major claim of this book is that in Buddha's case it is impossible to understand the thought without understanding the life. Thus Michael Carrithers tells us the story of Buddha's life, of his coming to meet with a sick person, an aged man and a corpse, his renunciation of the world and his wandering until he meditating calmly under a Bo tree comes to the enlightentment that is his liberation.For forty- five years afterwards he wanders and teaches but when he leaves the world the seed has been planted , there are followers who will spread his teachings throughout the world.
I write these words without understanding what ' enlightentment' means and without knowing why I should seek for it, and without having any sense of why it is right to be liberated from the pains and difficulties of our most intimate human connections. I write these words without knowing why it is better to be ' enlightened and kind' rather than to be ' just kind'. And I write too without really understanding how one can have detachment and peace without faith in a personal God.
It is not enough to read a book, and take in the meanings intellectually to truly understand it.
I do not understand the way of the Buddha, but my sense is that this work is a fine introduction to beginning to know it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A short, engaging, intelligent digest, April 20, 2001

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

This is a recycled version of the same book by the same publisher in the Past Masters series. It is a pity there have been no changes if any made to the original work done in 1983 as a few things have changed in Buddhist studies since then. At least the pictures are better and the book looks shorter than the original transmission.

A sharp, highly critical approach with the most important elements highlighted. A coherent essay of depth and rigour. A joy to read and appreciate.

This is the 2nd book on Buddhism in the A Very Short Introduction series (VSI) by OUP. The book "Buddhism a VSI" by D. Keown is also excellent. In fact most of the books on the VSI series seem to be brilliant. To be recommended to anyone, cheap to buy, cheaper to read and the taste is very expensive.