Originating in India, Mahayana Buddhism spread across Asia, becoming the prevalent form of Buddhism in Tibet and East Asia. Over the last twenty-five years Western interest in Mahayana has increased considerably, reflected both in the quantity of scholarly material produced and in the attraction of Westerners towards Tibetan Buddhism and Zen. Paul Williams’ Mahayana Buddhism is widely regarded as the standard introduction to the field, used internationally for teaching and research and has been translated into several European and Asian languages. This new edition has been fully revised throughout in the light of the wealth of new studies and focuses on the religion’s diversity and richness. It includes much more material on China and Japan, with appropriate reference to Nepal, and for students who wish to carry their study further there is a much-expanded bibliography and extensive footnotes and cross-referencing. Everyone studying this important tradition will find Williams’ book the ideal companion to their studies.

In this clear introduction to Buddhism, Keith Yandell and Harold Netland lay out the central metaphysical claims of this significant world religion and then offer a concluding chapter which offers an honest comparison with Christianity.

This is the extended and annotated edition including * an extensive annotation of more than 10.000 words about the history and basics of Buddhism, written by Thomas William Rhys Davids * an interactive table-of-contents * perfect formatting for electronic reading devices This book contains essential texts that have been written or translated from the most important Theravada and Mahayana scriptures. Contents: Mahâ-Samaya-Sutta (Or Discourse Addressed To The Great Assembly) The Legend Of Dipañkara Buddha The Friendly Epistle Of Nâgârjuna Preface. Nâgârjuna's "Friendly Epistle." The Niti Kyan Introduction Niti Kyan. Vidhûra Jâtaka Bhûridatta Jâtaka. Chapter I. (Nâgara.) Chapter II. (Uposatha.) Chapter III. (Nagarapavesana.) Chapter. IV. (Micchâditthikathâ.) Chapter V. (The Bodhisat's Discourse) Suva.N.Na Sâma Jâtaka Temiya Jâtaka Vatthu Chapter I. Chapter II. Khuddaka Pá.Tha Notes. Â.Tânâ.Tiya-Sutta Sîgâlo-Vâda-Sutta

A great international bestseller, the book in which, on the eve of the millennium, Pope John Paul II brings to an accessible level the profoundest theological concerns of our lives. He goes to the heart of his personal beliefs and speaks with passion about the existence of God; about the dignity of man; about pain, suffering, and evil; about eternal life and the meaning of salvation; about hope; about the relationship of Christianity to other faits and that of Catholicism to other branches of the Christian faith.With the humility and generosity of spirit for which he is known, John Paul II speaks directly and forthrightly to all people. His message: Be not afraid!