Asma, Stephen T. (stephen T. Asma)

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Buddha for beginners

Originally published by Writers and Readers in 1998 and republished in 2008 by Hampton Roads, this is an iconoclastic, illustrated romp through the life of the Buddha - both a credible exploration of his life and teachings and an entertaining introduction to the philosophy of Buddhism. Many Westerners know about the meditation practices of Buddhism, but few understand the Buddha's philosophical teachings. This book puts the teachings (dharma) in their proper context and unravels some of the more dense knots of Buddha's thinking. And it does all this while entertaining the reader with humorous illustrations and pop-culture sensibility. This primer, constructed like a graphic novel, cuts through the New Age nonsense that is often mistaken for Buddhism. Asma is perceptive and passionate. BUDDHA FOR BEGINNERS is truly a book that engages the intellect, opens the heart and expands the spirit. BUDDHA FOR BEGINNERS introduces 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. It, also, 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. Through some magical combination of words, drawings and intuitive wisdom, BUDDHA FOR BEGINNERS conveys not only the facts of Buddhism, but the peace, the silence…the feel of it - a book that should be experienced as much as it should be read.