This book serves as an accessible and reliable survey for students wishing to gain familiarity with the basic ideas of Buddhist philosophical and religious thought, and with some of the recent research in the field. It guides readers towards a richer understanding of the central concepts of classical Indian Buddhist thought, from the time of Buddha to the latest scholarly perspectives and controversies. Abstract and complex ideas are made understandable by the authors' clear and engaging style. The second edition has been fully revised in light of new scholarship, in particular on Mahayana Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism, an often neglected and inadequately understood topic. As well as a detailed bibliography this authoritative resource now includes recommended further reading, study questions, a pronunciation guide and extensive glossary of terms, all aimed at helping students to develop their knowledge and appreciation of Buddhist thought.

About the Author
Paul Williams is Emeritus Professor of Indian and Tibetan Philosophy at the University of Bristol, UK. His books include Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (second edition, Routledge). Anthony Tribe is a specialist in Indian Tantric Buddhism and formerly taught in the Asian Studies Program at the University of Montana, USA. Alexander Wynne is Assistant to the Co-Director of the Dhammachai Tipitaka Project at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand.

Reviews

"I know of no more lucid expositor of Indian or Buddhist philosophy ... Though there is no shortage of introductions to Buddhism on the market, I found this one compelling reading ... I shall recommend this lively and authoritative volume to all my students."- Richard Gombrich, University of Oxford, UK

Praise for the first edition:

'I know of no more lucid expositor of Indian or Buddhist philosophy ... Though there is no shortage of introductions to Buddhism on the market, I found this one compelling reading ... I shall recommend this lively and authoritative volume to all my students.' - Richard Gombrich, Balliol College, Oxford

'I would thoroughly recommend this book as an introduction for anyone trying to understand the rich variety of Buddhist thought on the fundamental question of existence.' - Denise Cush, Bath Spa University College

'Although aimed at students, the book is ideal for the general reader.' - Network

'The strength of the book is the clarity of its presentation and the quality and breadth of the scholarship behind it ... It will be stimulating reading to anyone a little bewildered by the wealth and variety of Buddhist texts and practices ... It deserves to enter many a reading list.' - Reviews in Religion and Theology

Book Information
ISBN 9780415571791
Author Paul Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 276
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 420g