What Do Buddhists Believe?

Bol

I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness and does not want to suffer. I also believe that the very purpose of life is to experience this happiness' The Dalai Lama Buddhism is one of the world's oldest and most widespread belief systems. Its history spans two and a half thousand years and Buddhism today has over 500 million adherents throughout almost every country in the world. Virtually unknown outside Asia until the last century, it is now the fastest-growing religion in the West. What is it about Buddhism that attracts so many in an age when people seem to be turning away from organized religion? The teachings of Buddhism are voluminous and varied, and it has a well-developed philosophical and mystical dimension; but at its core is a simple set of propositions and practices designed to meet the practical day-to-day concerns of ordinary people: how to live a compassionate, creative, wise and, above all, happy life. Tony Morris explores Buddhism's appeal and gives an acute insight into its essential beliefs.

Bol Partner

A concise, informative, and fascinating short book that explains the how and why of Buddhism. Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest and most widespread religions, with a history spanning some 2,500 years. It has nearly 400 million adherents and there are Buddhists today in almost every country in the world. In What Do Buddhists Believe?, Tony Morris gives readers a sense of the most important and interesting facets of Buddhism and some of the reasons why, in an age that seems increasingly disenchanted with traditional ethical and religious teachings and organized religion, Buddhism appears to be thriving. The teachings of Buddhism are vast and various. At its core, though, is a simple set of propositions and practices. Its emphasis has always been, and remains, how to live a wise, happy, compassionate, and fulfilled life. Complete with a useful time line, further suggested reading, and a list of contacts, What Do Buddhists Believe? is the ideal book for anyone wishing to acquaint themselves with this ancient and fascinating religion.