Introducing Buddha: A Graphic Guide

By Borin Van Loon and Jane Hope

Book Overview

Meditation, Karma, Zen, Tantric and Nirvana are some of the many Buddhist ideas Westerners hear of frequently, even if their meaning has been lost in translation. This vast and complex non-theistic religion is woven into the fabric of Asian civilisations. from India to the Himalayan regions, China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and elsewhere. What is Buddhism really all about?

Introducing Buddha describes the life and teachings of the Buddha, but it also shows that enlightenment is a matter of experiencing the truth individually, and by inspiration which is passed from teacher to student. Superbly illustrated by Borin Van Loon, the book illuminates this process through a rich legacy of stories, explains the practices of meditation, Taoism and Zen, and goes on to describe the role of Buddhism in modern Asia and its growing influence on Western thought.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1848310110
• ISBN13: 9781848310117
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Icon Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.6" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Opened my eyes

I found the explanations to be so clear. The illustrations complete the text and nail home the thought being expressed. I find that in re-reading I can see deeper into it.

An excellent and lucid introduction

This is a great introduction to Buddhism. Despite its quirky ways and funny illustrations, I found the book concise and clear. Written by Jane Hope who appears to have both clear and deep understanding of Buddhism as well as Western thought, the reader is a given a balanced perspective of Buddhism not as a major philosophy/system of thought in the East but in the world. For people who are not familiar to Buddhism, this book is a friendly un-intimidating explanation of the fundamental ideas of Buddhism, the life of the Buddha and its development in the East. For people who have studied and practiced Buddhism, this can be fresh reminder and less serious treatise. I plan to give this book to my children to help them understand Buddhism.

Enlightening

This book was my first and the best introduction to Buddhism. This book led me on the path of Buddhism and I ended up learning a lot from other sources as well. The best part is the graphics as well as minimal yet clear presentation of the complex concepts. Every time I turn the pages of this book, something new and profound hits me...

I finally "get" Buddhism

Well, not really. But at least I now know the famous story of his life, and have a very good overview of how the movement has split/changed over the centuries. Very good book.

Fun, Fantastic, and Educational read

If pictures are worth a thousand words then there is a ga-jillion words in this book. Packed full of illustrations! This book will have your light bulb turning on and your bell ringing with Satori. Some of the ideas are very complex and other authors require several pages to explain it. But these guys are masters of efficient learning -- accomplishing the same task with one picture and just the right words. You'll learn all about the Buddha history, traditions, culture, and philosophy. The many experiences of sudden enlightenments and flashes of epiphany resulted in fun comprehension. Definitely one of the best books to get you started into Buddhism.