Buddhism: A Short Introduction

This short introduction to Indian Buddhism provides a general overview asell as some in-depth treatment of issues central to Indian Buddhism. It isext based, introducing the reader to some of the most important textualources of Buddhism. It is divided into three parts which are subdivided into varying number of chapters. Part I deals with the basics of Buddhism, theroverbial 'Three Jewels': the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. In thatontext, the Indian background to the Buddha's teaching will also beentioned, as well as the development of Buddhism. Part II offers aystematic study of Buddhist teachings: a comprehensive account of the patho liberation according to the Pali Canon; a detailed study of meditation,he most typical Buddhist practice; and a summary of the bodhisattva path.art III introduces more technical philosophical expressions of Buddhism andhe teachings of distinctive schools that emerged in the course of time.;hapter 8 deals with the theoretical framework of Theravada Buddhism in thebhidamma and with the controversies between Buddhists and (primarily) Hindus;

Klaus K. Klostermaier F.R.S.C. is University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada.