Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition with a history that stretches over 2500 years, and which is now followed by around 115,000,000 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, through discussions 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 an introduction to Buddhism as a religion and way of life, which should also be of interest to those who are more familiar with the subject.
