Library Research Guides: World Religions: Buddhism

Buddhism

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Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad: A Comparative Study by Paul Gwynne This cool, clear-sighted comparative study has no theological axe to grind. It offers a trusty thematic guide to the figureheads of three of the largest religions in the world. The comparative approach is descriptive and even-handed, highlighting both similarities and differences across a range of major areas. The thematic chapters cover: early life, followers, the core message, political attitudes, relations with women, and death. The engaging writing and descriptive approach make this an ideal text for students, instructors and general readers.
ISBN: 9781118465516
Publication Date: 2014
Buddha for Beginners by Stephen T. Asma (Illustrator) Despite the widespread popularity of Buddhist practices (like meditation), there is little understanding of the complex philosophy behind Buddhism. The historical Buddha, Gautama, was a real person - a radical - who challenged the religious leaders of his day. Buddha For Beginnersintroduces the reader to the historical Buddha, to the ideas that made him change his life, and to the fascinating philosophical debates that engaged him and formed the core of Buddhism. Buddha For Beginners compares Buddha's philosophy with those of his contemporaries, the later Buddhist schools, and Western Philosophy. The book includes a survey, distinguishing the philosophical differences of later schools like Theravada, Madhyamaika, Tantric, Zen, and others. Buddha For Beginners is not a book you read, it is a book you experience. It makes you stop and close your eyes. Through some magical combination of words, drawings, and intuitive wisdom, itrs conveys not only the facts of Buddhism, but the peace, the silence ... the feel of it. It is historically accurate, spiritually challenging, and the white spaces mean as much as the words.
ISBN: 9781939994332
Publication Date: 2015
Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction by Damien Keown This Very Short Introduction introduces the reader to the teachings of the Buddha and to the integration of Buddhism into daily life. What are the distinctive features of Buddhism? Who was the Buddha, and what are his teachings? How has Buddhist thought developed over the centuries, and howcan contemporary dilemmas be faced from a Buddhist perspective? Words such as 'karma' and 'nirvana' have entered our vocabulary, but what do they mean? Damien Keown's book provides a lively, informative response to these frequently asked questions about Buddhism.
ISBN: 9780192853868
Publication Date: 2000
Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions by Dalai Lama XIV; Thubten Chodron; Henepola Gunaratana (Foreword by) Explore the common ground underlying the diverse expressions of the Buddha's teachings with two of Tibetan Buddhism's bestselling authors. Buddhism is practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, from Tibetan caves to Tokyo temples to redwood retreats. To an outside viewer, it might be hard to see what they all have in common. In Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron map out with clarity the convergences and the divergences between the two major strains of Buddhism--the Sanskrit traditions of Tibet and East Asia and the Pali traditions of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Especially deep consideration is given to the foundational Indian traditions and their respective treatment of such central tenets as the four noble truths the practice of meditation the meaning of nirvana enlightenment. The authors seek harmony and greater understanding among Buddhist traditions worldwide, illuminating the rich benefits of respectful dialogue and the many ways that Buddhists of all stripes share a common heritage and common goals.
ISBN: 9781614291275
Publication Date: 2014
The Different Paths of Buddhism: A Narrative-Historical Introduction by Carl Olson For centuries, Buddhist teachers and laypeople have used stories, symbols, cultural metaphors, and anecdotes to teach and express their religious views. In this introductory textbook, Carl Olson draws on these narrative traditions to detail the development of Buddhism from the life of the historical Buddha to the present. By organizing the text according to the structure of Buddhist thought and teaching, Olson avoids imposing a Western perspective that traditional texts commonly bring to the subject. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to the main branches of the Buddhist tradition in both the Mahayana and Theravada schools, including the Madhyamika school, the Yogacara school, Pure Land devotionalism, Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and village folk Buddhist traditions. Chapters explore the life and teachings of the Buddha in historical context, the early development and institutionalization of Buddhism, its geographic spread across Asia and eventually to the United States, philosophy and ethics, the relationship between monks and laity, political and ethical implications, the role of women in the Buddhist tradition, and contemporary reinterpretations of Buddhism. Drawn from decades of classroom experience, this creative and ambitious text combines expert scholarship and engaging stories that offer a much-needed perspective to the existing literature on the topic.
ISBN: 9780813535616
Publication Date: 2005
The Middle Way: Faith Grounded in Reason by Dalai Lama XIV; Thupten Jinpa (Translator) The Dalai Lama lays out the Buddhist approach to matters of faith and devotion that is based on the highest spirit of critical inquiry. The Dalai Lama opens The Middle Way with an elegant argument for the power of compassion in cultivating a happy life. From there, he connects core ideas of Buddhist philosophy to the truths of our shared condition. His Holiness delivers a sparklingly clear teaching on how the Buddhist ideas of emptiness and interdependency relate to personal experience and bring a deeper understanding of the world around us. In down-to-earth style, this book sets forth a comprehensive explanation of the foundational teachings of the Mahayana tradition based on the works of two of Buddhism's most revered figures. Using Nagarjuna's Middle Way, the Dalai Lama explores Buddhist understandings of selflessness, dependent origination, and the causal processes that lock us in cycles of suffering. He grounds these heady philosophical discussions using Tsongkhapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path, presenting a brief explanation of how to put ethical discipline, wisdom, and compassion into practice. Through these beautifully complementary teachings, His Holiness urges us to strive, "with an objective mind, endowed with a curious skepticism, to engage in careful analysis and seek the reasons behind our beliefs."
ISBN: 9781614291565
Publication Date: 2014
The New Buddhism: The Western Transformation of an Ancient Tradition by James William Coleman In our multicultural society, faiths formerly seen as exotic have become attractive alternatives for many people seeking more satisfying spiritual lives. This is especially true of Buddhism, which is the focus of constant media attention--thanks at least in part to celebrity converts, major motion pictures, and the popularity of the Dalai Lama. Following this recent trend in the West, author James Coleman argues that a new and radically different form of this ancient faith is emerging.The New Buddhism sheds new light on this recent evolution of Buddhist practice in the West. After briefly recounting the beginnings and spread of Buddhism in the East, Coleman chronicles its reinterpretation by key Western teachers in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, ranging from the British poet Sir Edwin Arnold to the Beat writer Alan Watts. Turning to the contemporary scene, he finds that Western teachers have borrowed liberally from different Buddhist traditions that never intersect in their original contexts. Men and women practice together as equals; ceremonies and rituals are simpler, more direct, and not believed to have magical effects. Moreover, the new Buddhism has made the path of meditation and spiritual awakening available to everyone, not just an elite cadre of monks. Drawing on interviews with noted teachers and lay practitioners, as well as a survey completed by members of seven North American Buddhist centers, Coleman depicts the colorful variety of new Buddhists today, from dilettantes to devoted students and the dedicated teachers who guide their spiritual progress. He also details the problems that have arisen because of some Western influences--especially with regard to gender roles, sex, and power.Exploring the appeal of this exotic faith in postmodern society and questioning its future in a global consumer culture, The New Buddhism provides a thorough and fascinating guide to Western Buddhism today.
ISBN: 9780198030164
Publication Date: 2002

Full text eJournals are searchable through the library catalog or on the eJournals page.

Contemporary Buddhism by Routledge
Publication Date: 2003 to present (with a 18 Month delay)
Publishes articles on the current state of Buddhism from across the human sciences.
Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion by Baylor University
Publication Date: 2005-present
IJRR was founded to publish very high quality, original research on religion by scholars, regardless of their field of specialization.
Journal of Global Buddhism by Prof. Dr. Martin Baumann, General Editor
Publication Date: 2000-current
The Journal of Global Buddhism is an open access, peer reviewed scholarly journal established to promote the study of the globalization of Buddhism, both historical and contemporary, and its transnational and transcontinental interrelatedness.

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Buddhism

The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha
This documentary for PBS by filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere, tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion.
Buddhism
Using architecture and art, this program studies the birth of Buddhism in India and its spread to other lands where it has flourished.
Buddhism: The Noble Path-Let's Look at World Religions
This program offers a profile of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and an overview of teachings found in the Tripitaka, then takes viewers to the ordination of a Thai Buddhist monk. With stops at Sarnath and Bodh Gaya along the way, the video covers the Three Jewels, the Eightfold Noble Path, and differences between the Theravada and Mahayana schools.
Essentials of Faith: Buddhism
This program presents ways of articulating Buddhist thought from six straightforward and insightful practitioners who explain parallels and distinctions between Buddhist traditions.
Indian Roots of Tibetan Buddhism
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other experts speak about the Indian roots of Tibetan Buddhism and culture, including developing a Tibetan written language to facilitate the transfer of knowledge in the 7th century.
Journey into Buddhism Series
These visually stunning documentaries are cinematic pilgrimages to legendary places in Southeast Asia and Tibet, including the spiritual wonders of Laos, Thailand, Burma, Bali, Cambodia, Java, and central Tibet. Distributed by PBS Distribution. 3-part series, 81–89 minutes each.
The Life of the Buddha
This remarkably accessible program dramatizes the life of the one who, beneath a tree at Bodh Gaya, transcended life’s misfortunes and sufferings and became known, forevermore, as Buddha.
A Separate Peace: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism -
This program examines the structure and major tenets of these four eastern religious philosophies...Shintoism, a Japanese religion, is presented as a form of animism in which nature is composed of a multitude of deities: the kami. Shintoism’s coexistence in Japan with Buddhism is explained as follows: "Shintoism is in charge of birth and marriage; Buddhism is in charge of death."
What is Buddhism?
With more than 300 million followers worldwide, Buddhists follow a path towards enlightenment in what is as much a religion, as it is a way of life.

Access to Insight: Readings in Theravada Buddhism
Access to Insight is an HTML website dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, and useful information concerning the practice and study of Theravada Buddhism, as it has been handed down to us through both the written word of the Pali canon and the living example of the Sangha.
Ancient Buddhist Texts
Materials from the early and medieval Buddhist tradition covering texts in Pāli and Sanskrit; line by line (interlinear) texts and translations; translations in English only; studies of grammar, prosody and compilation; maps, reference works and audio files.
BuddhaNet: Buddhist Education and Information Network
BuddhaNet is a non-sectarian organisation, offering its services to all Buddhist traditions. It aims to facilitate a significant Buddhist presence in the ever-expanding realm of computer communications technology, applying this technology to helping make the Buddha's teachings freely available to all.
Buddhist Digital Resource Center
The Buddhist Digital Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to seeking out, preserving, organizing, and disseminating Buddhist literature.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Information about the Dalai Lama.
Resources for the Study of Buddhism
Compiled by Prof. Ron Epstein, Intitute for World Religions in Berkeley, California.
DharmaNet
Texts, audio, video, e-books, materials for self-study and more.

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MLA Handbook. 8^th ed., The Modern Language Association, 2016, pp. 11-12.

Circulating books may be checked out in 3 week intervals.

Buddhism by Malcolm David Eckel Gracefully blending scholarship and accessibility, Malcolm David Eckels Buddhism provides a succinct, authoritative introduction to one of the worlds great religious traditions. The text covers a wide range of subjects including buddhas and boddhisattvas, Zen meditation, Tantric scriptures, pilgrimage, temples, and festivals and rites.
Call Number: BQ4032 .E32 2010
ISBN: 1435856198
Publication Date: 2009
Buddhist Goddesses of India by Miranda Shaw The Indian Buddhist world abounds with goddesses--graceful nature divinities, maternal nurturers, potent healers, mighty protectors, transcendent wisdom figures, cosmic mothers of liberation, and dancing female Buddhas. Despite their importance in Buddhist thought and practice, female deities have received relatively little scholarly attention, and no comprehensive study of the female pantheon has been available. Buddhist Goddesses of India chronicles the histories, legends, and artistic portrayals of nineteen goddesses and several related human figures and texts. Beautifully illustrated and drawing on a sweeping range of material, from devotional poetry and meditation manuals to rituals and artistic images, Shaw reveals the character, powers, and practice traditions of the female divinities in this definitive and essential guide.
Call Number: BQ4630 .S43 2006
ISBN: 9780691127583
Publication Date: 2006
Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings by Samuel Bercholz; Sherab C. Kohn (Editor); Bernardo Bertolucci (Foreword by) The grandeur, simplicity, and freshness of the 2,500-year-old tradition of Buddhism are reflected in this collection of writings intended as a primer for newcomers to the subject as well as a reference for those familiar with Buddhism. The selections include: * The story of the Buddha's life. * A concise historical background. * Key writings of Theravada, Mahayana, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism. * Meditation instructions. * A Buddhist explanation of reincarnation. * Simple explanations of terms. * A pictorial survey of Buddhist art and architecture.
Call Number: BQ4132 .E58 1993
ISBN: 0877739811
Publication Date: 1993
Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice by Diane Morgan An engaging, clear-sighted book that covers all aspects of this rich, peaceful, and insightful tradition. * A brief survey of the impact of Buddhism around the world today * Numerous stories and examples illuminate Buddhism's history and practice * A glossary * A bibliography for those interested in learning more
Call Number: BQ4022 .M67 2010
ISBN: 9780313384530
Publication Date: 2010
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by John Powers This is the most comprehensive and authoritative introduction to Tibetan Buddhism available to date, covering a wide range of topics, including history, doctrines, meditation, practices, schools, religious festivals, and major figures. The revised edition contains expanded discussions of recent Tibetan history and tantra and incorporates important new publications in the field. Beginning with a summary of the Indian origins of Tibetan Buddhism and how it eventually was brought to Tibet, it explores Tibetan Mahayana philosophy and tantric methods for personal transformation. The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as B#65533;n, are explored in depth from a nonsectarian point of view. This new and expanded edition is a systematic and wonderfully clear presentation of Tibetan Buddhist views and practices.
Call Number: BQ7604 .P69 2007
ISBN: 1559392827
Publication Date: 2007
Mahayana Buddhism: A Brief Outline by Beatrice Lane Suzuki
Call Number: BL1483 .S83 1963
Publication Date: 1963
The Tibetan Book of the Dead by Graham Coleman (Editor); Thupten Jinpa (Editor); Gyurme Dorje (Translator) One of the greatest works created by any culture and overwhelmingly the most significant of all Tibetan Buddhist texts in the West, The Tibetan Book of the Dead has had a number of distinguished translations, but none encompassed the work in its entirety. Now, in one of the year's most important publishing events, the entire text has not only been made available in English but in a translation of quite remarkable clarity and beauty. With an introductory commentary by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, who calls this translation "an extraordinary accomplishment undertaken with great care over many years" this complete edition faithfully presents the insights and intentions of the original work. It includes one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature, exquisitely written practices that can transform our experience of daily life, guidance on helping those who are dying, and an inspirational perspective on coping with bereavement. Translated with the close support of leading contemporary masters, including HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and learned scholars such as Khamtrul Rinpoche and Zenkar Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, "I hope that the profound insights contained in this work will be a source of inspiration and support to many interested people around the world."
Call Number: BQ4490 .K3713 2006
ISBN: 0670858862
Publication Date: 2006
Zen Buddhism: A History by Heinrich Dumoulin; James W. Heisig; Paul F. Knitter
Call Number: BQ9262.3 .D8513 1988
ISBN: 0029082307
Publication Date: 1988

Books from the reference section are available for in-library use, or are available for online viewing.

A Concise Encyclopedia of Buddhism by John Powers From the teachings of the early masters to the growth of the tradition in the West, this authoritative new reference tool contains over 900 entries supplying information on all the key doctrines, practices, and figures central to Buddhism.
ISBN: 9781851682331
Publication Date: 2013
The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism by Robert E. Buswell; Donald S. Lopez With more than 5,000 entries totaling over a million words, this is the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of Buddhism ever produced in English. It is also the first to cover terms from all of the canonical Buddhist languages and traditions: Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Unlike reference works that focus on a single Buddhist language or school, The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism bridges the major Buddhist traditions to provide encyclopedic coverage of the most important terms, concepts, texts, authors, deities, schools, monasteries, and geographical sites from across the history of Buddhism. The main entries offer both a brief definition and a substantial short essay on the broader meaning and significance of the term covered. Extensive cross-references allow readers to find related terms and concepts. An appendix of Buddhist lists (for example, the four noble truths and the thirty-two marks of the Buddha), a timeline, six maps, and two diagrams are also included. Written and edited by two of today's most eminent scholars of Buddhism, and more than a decade in the making, this landmark work is an essential reference for every student, scholar, or practitioner of Buddhism and for anyone else interested in Asian religion, history, or philosophy. The most comprehensive dictionary of Buddhism ever produced in English More than 5,000 entries totaling over a million words The first dictionary to cover terms from all of the canonical Buddhist languages and traditions--Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Detailed entries on the most important terms, concepts, texts, authors, deities, schools, monasteries, and geographical sites in the history of Buddhism Cross-references and appendixes that allow readers to find related terms and look up equivalent terms in multiple Buddhist languages Includes a list of Buddhist lists, a timeline, and maps Also contains selected terms and names in Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, Sinhalese, Newar, and Mongolian
Call Number: BQ130 .P75 2014
ISBN: 9780691157863
Publication Date: 2013