The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism - Softcover

Gach, Gary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0028641701 ISBN 13: 9780028641706

Publisher: Alpha, 2001

Synopsis

An introduction to the teachings, concepts, schools, and practices of Buddhism explains the creation of the Buddhist universe, life of the Buddha, and enlightenment as a path to freedom from suffering.

About this title

About the Author

Gary Gach has been a student of Buddhism for 40 years. He is a consultant to the Buddhist Film Society and the Unified Buddhist Church and is co-translator of Ko Un, Korea's greatest living Zen poet. For two years Gach was Arts and Religion editor for AsianWeek, and prior to that was a contributing editor to the San Francisco Review of Books. His articles have appeared in Shambhala Sun, New Asia Review, Whole Earth Review, and other periodicals. He is the editor of What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop, published in 1998 by Parallax Press.

From the Inside Flap

Englightenment has never been easier!

You're no idiot, of course. You know there's more to Buddhism than meditation and mantras, but your attempts to understand this popular philosophy have left you beyond baffled - and you know that can't be good karma ...

Don't lose your way on the path to enlightenment! THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING BUDDHISM will keep you on track - and show you easy ways to make Buddhism a part of your life. In this COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE, you get:

* A fascinating exploration of who the Buddha was and what he means today.

* An enlightening introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

* Compelling discussion of such major schools as Vipassana, Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan.

* Comprehensive coverage of the growth and development of Buddhism in America.

---------------------------------------

You'll learn how to ...

* Practice and personalize the precepts.

* Discover the power of tranquility and insight meditation.

* Find a teacher and a sangha.

* Grasp the basics of Buddhist ecology.

* Use the princip;les of deep listening and loving speech to improve your relationships.

* Be mindful and compassionate toward yourself.

* Appreciate key films in Buddhist cinema.

* Determine the best destinations for Buddhist pilgrimages and retreats.

Edition details

• Publisher: Alpha
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0028641701
• ISBN 13: 9780028641706
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432