An Introduction to Buddhism by Peter Harvey

An Introduction to Buddhism by Peter Harvey

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the Buddhist tradition as it has developed in three major cultural areas in Asia, and also developed in the West. It is intended to be a textbook for students of religious and Asian studies respectively, but will also be of interest to those who want a general survey of Buddhism and its beliefs. Unlike many other general books about Buddhism, it not only explores Buddhist beliefs, but also seeks to show as a set of practices. It thus includes chapters on devotion, ethics, monastic practices and meditation. Such practices are related to Buddhist teachings and historical developments. Emphasising as it does the diversity found within different Buddhist traditions, the book aims to underline common threads of belief, practice and historical continuities which unify the Buddhist world. Dr Harvey has sought to answer questions that are often asked by people on first meeting the tradition, and in his section on Nirvana offers a novel interpretation of this ultimate, transcendent mystery.

'In its breadth and scope, without serious rival as an introductory volume … Harvey's treatment is sympathetic and sensitive, managing to suggest both the breadth and richness of Buddhist teaching and its underlying unity' The Times Literary Supplement
'… its style is lucid and well thought out. The avoidance of technical terms and academic jargon wherever possible makes it a useful handbook for undergraduate study … an intelligent and even-handed approach.' Scottish Journal of Religious Studies

Harvey, Peter: - Peter Harvey is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Sunderland. He co-founded, with Ian Harris, the UK Association for Buddhist Studies, has acted as its Secretary and President, and now edits its journal, Buddhist Studies Review. His books include An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices (Cambridge, 2nd edition, 2012), An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Cambridge, 2000), and The Selfless Mind: Personality, Consciousness and Nirvana in Early Buddhism (1995), and he has published many papers on early Buddhist thought and practice and on Buddhist ethics. Most recently, he edited an extensive integrated anthology of Buddhist texts, Common Buddhist Text: Guidance and Insight from the Buddha (2017).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780521313339
ISBN 10	0521313333
Title	An Introduction to Buddhism
Author	Peter Harvey
Series	Introduction To Religion
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Year published	1990-05-25
Number of pages	396
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.