For over 2,500 years, Buddhism has guided countless seekers toward clarity, compassion, and spiritual awakening. Yet if you've ever felt overwhelmed by diverse traditions-from Theravada to Zen-or wanted a clear path through the Dharma teachings, this concise guide is your perfect companion.
In BUDDHISM Summarized you'll traverse the Buddha's life story, enter the heart of essential doctrines like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and grasp the significance of key practices, including Buddhist meditation, Mindfulness practice, and advanced techniques such as the Jhanas. Each chapter distills complex concepts-like karma, non-self, and the Bodhisattva ideal-into vivid, accessible explanations.
Explore how different schools-Theravāda, Mahayana, and Vajrayana-evolved over centuries, adapting to new cultures while preserving a shared spiritual heritage. Gain insight into Buddhist philosophy and ethics, and discover how these teachings align with modern science, social responsibility, and personal fulfillment. Whether you're new to Eastern spirituality or a long-time practitioner eager to deepen your understanding, this book offers a well-rounded roadmap to everyday enlightenment.
From the earliest scripture of the Pali Canon to the wide-reaching influences of Tibetan and Zen traditions, BUDDHISM Summarized shows how Buddhist insight resonates in the quest for spiritual awakening. Dive in and experience the transformative power of Buddhism today.TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Buddhism Jargon: Essential Terms and Concepts
The Historical Buddha: Life and Teachings
The Indian Context: Pre-Buddhist Thought and Influences
The Four Noble Truths: The Core of Buddhist Philosophy
The Noble Eightfold Path: The Practical Guide to Awakening
Karma and Rebirth: The Buddhist Understanding of Cause and Effect
The Three Marks of Existence: Impermanence, Suffering, and Non-Self
The Five Aggregates: Understanding the Illusion of the Self
Dependent Origination: The Chain of Existence
Buddhist Cosmology: The Realms of Existence
The Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Ethics in Buddhism: The Five Precepts and Moral Conduct
Theravāda Buddhism: The Way of the Elders
Mahayana Buddhism: The Path of the Bodhisattva
Vajrayana Buddhism: The Esoteric Path
Buddhism in China, Korea, and Japan: Cultural Adaptations
Buddhism in the West: Modern Adaptations and Challenges
Samatha and Vipassana: The Two Pillars of Buddhist Meditation
Mindfulness and Awareness: The Art of Living Consciously
The Jhanas: States of Deep Meditative Absorption
The Pali Canon: The Foundational Texts of Theravāda Buddhism
The Mahayana Sutras: Expanding the Teachings
Tibetan Buddhist Texts: The Tantras and Commentaries
Monastic Life: The Role of Monks and Nuns in Buddhism
Lay Buddhism: How Non-Monastics Practice the Dharma
Rituals, Offerings, and Pilgrimage in Buddhism
Buddhist Philosophy and Logic: Key Schools and Debates
Buddhism and Science: A Dialogue on Mind and Consciousness
Buddhism and Other Religions: Similarities and Differences
Buddhism in the Modern World: Challenges and Opportunities
Engaged Buddhism: Social Action and Ethical Responsibility
Buddhism and the Nature of Enlightenment: What It Means to Be Awake