List of figures and tables
Preface
Introduction
PART 1: The 'Three Jewels' of Buddhism
1. The Buddha
2. The Dhamma: Background and Expressions
3. The Content of the Buddha-Dhamma
4. The Sangha
PART 2: The Buddhist Past
5. The Way to Nibbana
6. Buddhist Meditation
7. The Bodhisativa Path
PART 3: Schools of Buddhism
8. Buddhist Systematic and Polemic
9. Madhyamaka, Yogacara and Tantric Buddhism
10. Conclusion
Appendix 1: Buddhist Literature: Primary Sources
Appendix 2: English Translations of Buddhist Sources
Appendix 3: Chronology
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Written by a well-respected author and established scholar, Klostermaier's 'Buddhism: A Short Introduction' is a meticulous examination of this ancient and diverse religious tradition.

Using jargon-free and accessible language, the author explores not only the origins and development of the Buddhist tradition, but also offers a detailed study of its schools, doctrines and practices. Specific topics include:

• Buddhism as a living tradition of both east and west
• the Buddhist path to liberation
• meditation and education
• women in the development and history of Buddhism

Introducing all the major texts, this authoritative study allows the reader to become acquainted with both the intellectual content and the unique flavour of Buddhism and Buddhist writings.