Buddhism is not only one of the major world religions, but a dominant political and social force throughout much of Asia. This books presents its central tenets and insights, and its historical development. The reader is led through its vast literature in selections that emphasize the primary themes of the ideal way of Buddhist life. The reading offer the means to approach the major Buddhist traditions and teachings with careful attention paid to its flowering in China, Tibet, Southeast Asia and Japan.

RICHARD A. GARD was a lecturer of Buddhist Studies at Yale University. He received many awards in recognition of his contributions to the field and was the author of Studies in Oriental Philosophy and Buddhist Political Thought