The Sacred East

A guide to the spiritual and philosophical traditions of Asia, explaining the key ideas that have entered our spiritual vocabulary - such as karma and enlightenment. Increasingly, we are embracing the traditions of the East. This book is a superb illustrated guide to the compelling systems of belief that have shaped the East and challenged the West. Sacred East illuminates the main philosophies and faiths of Asia and explores the Hindu traditions of India, the richly varied Buddhist faith, the Confucian and Daoist beliefs of China and the Shinto religion of Japan. Each chapter focuses on a single tradition - examining its main beliefs and tracing its ancient and enduring practices from its historical or mythical origin to the forms in which it exists today. Theories of the individual and society, of nature and of the universe are clearly presented, illuminating such concepts as karma, reincarnation and immortality. Sacred East is clearly written and lavishly illustrated with striking full-colour images that vividly capture the variety and intensity of the Asian world.