EBOOK Foundations of Buddhism

Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition with a        history that stretches over 2,500 years, and which is now followed by around 115        million people. In this introduction to the foundations of Buddhism, Rupert Gethin        concentrates on the ideas and practices which constitute the common heritage of the        different traditions of Buddhism (Thervada, Tibetan, and Eastern) which exist in the        world today. From the narrative of the story of the Buddha, throughdiscussions of        aspects such as textual traditions, the framework of the Four Noble Truths, the        interaction between the monastic and lay ways of life, the cosmology of karma and        rebirth, and the path of the bodhisattva, this books provides a stimulating        introduction to Buddhism as a religion and way of life,which will also be of        interest to those who are more familiar with the subject.