Theravada Buddhism: The View of the Elders (Dimensions of Asian Spirituality, 11)

This book brings to life the age-old religious tradition of Theravada (literally, “view of the elders”) Buddhism as it is found in ancient texts and understood and practiced today in South and Southeast Asia. Following a brief introduction to the life of the historical Buddha and the beginning of his mission, the book examines the Triple Gem (the Buddha, his teachings, and the community of monastic followers) and the basic teachings of the Buddha in the earliest available Pali sources. Basic Buddhist concepts such as dependent co-origination, the four noble truths, the three trainings, and karma and its result are discussed in non-technical language, along with the Buddha’s message on social wellbeing. The author goes on to chronicle his own involvement as an observer-participant in “the Theravada world,” where he was born and raised. His is a rare first-hand account of living Theravada Buddhism not only in its traditional habitats, but also in the world at large at the dawn of the twenty-first century. He concludes with a discussion on what is happening to Theravada today across the globe, covering issues such as diaspora Buddhism, women’s Buddhism, and engaged Buddhism. The book’s accessible language and clear explication of Theravada doctrine and texts make this an ideal introduction for the student and general reader. Title......Page 2 Title Page......Page 4 Contents......Page 8 Editors's Preface......Page 10 Introduction......Page 22 The Begining of Buddhism......Page 30 The Triple Gem......Page 48 Basic Teachings of the Buddha......Page 62 Karma and Its Results......Page 92 The Social Teachings of the Buddha......Page 101 The Traditional Theravada World......Page 110 The Traditional Theravada Practice......Page 123 Theravada in Wider Perspective......Page 169 Appendix 1......Page 186 Appendix 2......Page 190 Glossary of Pali Terms......Page 196 Index......Page 208 Basic Teachings of Buddhism Title 2 Title Page 4 Contents 8 Editors's Preface 10 Introduction 22 The Begining of Buddhism 30 The Triple Gem 48 Basic Teachings of the Buddha 62 Karma and Its Results 92 The Social Teachings of the Buddha 101 The Traditional Theravada World 110 The Traditional Theravada Practice 123 Theravada in Wider Perspective 169 Appendix 1 186 Appendix 2 190 Glossary of Pali Terms 196 Index 208 Buddhism;,Theravada Buddhism,Theravada The Beginning Of Buddhism -- The Triple Gem -- The Basic Teachings Of The Buddha -- Karma And Its Results -- The Social Teachings Of The Buddha -- The Traditional Theravada World -- The Traditional Theravada Practice -- Theravada In Wider Perspective. Asanga Tilakaratne. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book provides an introduction to Theravada (which translates to "view of the elders") Buddhism as it is described in ancient texts and understood and practiced today in South and Southeast Asia