The Essential Guide to Buddhism

Beginning with an overview of Buddhism, this book explores the religions origins in northern India and Nepal, through to its development and spread across Asia, to its vibrant and sometimes contradictory present. Key topics explored in the study of Buddhism, include rituals and its scriptures, meditation and monasticism, death and the afterlife, along with contemporary issues such as Buddhism and economics. Over 70 illustrations are included throughout and each chapter contains suggested further reading and a glossary of key terms and concepts. The chapters in this book were first published in the digital collection Bloomsbury Religion in North America. Covering North Americas diverse religious traditions, this digital collection provides reliable and peer-reviewed articles and ebooks for students and instructors. Learn more and get access for your library at www.theologyandreligiononline.com/bloomsbury-religion-in-north-america