Originally published in 1951.This study of Buddhism deals with the early tradition, followed by a brief consideration of its historicity and the form the religion takes in Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand. The main line of development in India, China and Japan is then discussed. Focussing on essential Buddhism in both its chief schools, the Lesser and Greater Vehicle, the influence of philosophy on sect and of both on the practical affairs of history are examined.

Some twenty-five centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts?   Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is committed to a secularized version of the Buddha’s teachings. The time has come, he feels, to articulate a coherent ethical, contemplative, and philosophical vision of ...

The life of Siddhartha Buddha ( 'Awakened One') is that of one who awakened from the sleep of ignorance and saw conditions as they really were.The Essence of Buddhism provides a clear, straightforward approach to the rich traditions of the Buddhist faith and its ideological foundations. It explains the power of karma, the practice of Zen, and the notion of the life of the Buddha and his influence throughout the world.Through its elucidation of the definitive Buddhist texts,...

Two classic Zen Buddhist texts that present the foundational teachings of the tradition—now collected in one volume for the modern practitionerThe Diamond Sutra, composed in India in the fourth century CE, is one of the most treasured works of Buddhist literature and is the oldest existing printed book in the world. It is known as the Diamond Sutra because its teachings are said to be like diamonds that cut away all dualistic thought, releasing on...

This is the extended edition including * an extensive annotation of more than 10.000 words about the history and basics of Buddhism In this book Paul Carus compiles the fundamental teachings of the Buddha: the four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and Buddha's sermons and advice to his disciples. In this reading, Buddha explains how nirvana can result from the discipline of the Noble Eightfold Path. In his teachings, Buddha did not claim divine authority, instead he emphasizes that each p...

This book, compiled from basic Buddhist writings, presents a survey of Buddhist thought in India, China, and Japan, covering the central doctrines and practices that has profoundly influenced human life in Asia. Developments in practical ethics, social attitudes, philosophical speculation, and religious and aesthetic contemplation are represented by selected excerpts from basic writings with succinct introductions and commentary. From these one may observe not only the remarkable vitality ...

How can we be happy and at the same time responsive to the suffering of others? It can be done: this is the message of the Bodhisattva ideal. For one wishing to follow this path, the development of inner calm and positivity that leads to true wisdom is balanced by a genuine and active concern for others which flowers into great compassion. Sangharakshita places the ideal of the Bodhisattva within the context of the entire Buddhist tradition. Unfolding this vision of our potential, he demon...

The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation, which was unknown to the Western world until its first publication in 1954, speaks to the quintessence of the Supreme Path, or Mahāyāna, and fully reveals the yogic method of attaining Enlightenment. Such attainment can happen, as shown here, by means of knowing the One Mind, the cosmic All-Consciousness, without recourse to the postures, breathings, and other techniques associated with the lower yogas. The original text for this volume be...

J.W.T. Mason presents rare insight not only into the basic beliefs of Shinto, but also into the importance of mythology and creativity to the evolution of our understanding of life and the universe. Mason begins by establishing his view of the development of man, language, and spiritual expression. Early man had an innate, intuitive understanding of the universe. This understanding was expressed through mythology and ritual.Shinto's traditions and practices still reflect this ancien...

In the White Lotus Sutra, bursting with symbols, imagery and myths, we meet the Buddha as a story-teller. This sutra tells the greatest of all stories, that of human life and human potential. This great story takes the cosmos as its stage and all sentient beings as its players. This delightfully illustrated commentary on one of the most influential, revered and well-loved Buddhist scriptures brings these stories vividly to life and shows how they relate to our own spiritual quest.

A Survey of Buddhism continues to provide an indispensable study of the entire field of Buddhist thought and practice, placing its development in a historical context. 'I recommend Sangharakshita's book as the best survey of Buddhism' Dr Edward Conze, author of Buddhism: Its Essence and Development and translator of Buddhist Wisdom Books and The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines '...simply the most complete single volume survey of all the major doctrines and traditions in the development...

“The Opening of the Eyes” is considered one of the five major writings of Nichiren. The topics the lectures cover include the three virtues of Buddha (sovereign, teacher and parent), the six difficult and nine easy acts and the three powerful enemies described in the Lotus Sutra. Ikeda writes that this treatise “reveals the true meaning of ‘opening the eyes’, because it awakens all people to the genuine Buddhist spirit and human path of living true to the Law based on a personal vow”.