Description
Theravada Buddhism provides a comprehensive introductory overview of the history, teachings, and current practice of an often misunderstood form of one of the world’s oldest religious traditions.
- Explores Theravada Buddhism’s origins, evolution, teachings, and practices
- Considers the practice of Theravada beyond Sri Lanka and Thailand, by exploring a wealth of material from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- Reveals its rich and varied traditions, and corrects common misunderstandings about links to other practices, such as early Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism
- Incorporates student-friendly features including a glossary and other study aids
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments viii
Map xi
Introduction 1
Part One Buddha 13
1 The Buddha and Buddhahood 15
2 Buddha Worship 43
Part Two Dhamma 69
3 Literature, Languages, and Conveying the Dhamma 71
4 The Jâtaka 99
5 The Good Buddhist 112
6 Meditation 138
7 Abhidhamma 174
Part Three Sangha and Society 195
8 Monks, Monasteries, and their Position in Society 197
9 Women in Monasticism 218
10 Women in Theravada Literature and Society 238
11 Feminist Readings of Gender-Related Symbols 250
12 Nonharming, Politics, and Violence 262
Glossary 283
Index 290
