"Buddhism is one of the world's most powerful religious traditions. It is now the third-mostpracticed religion in the United States, with about 2.4 million adherents. What is it about this faith that appeals to so many raised in other traditions? Can it really, as this author claims, reveal the sound of one hand clapping?" "Author Diane Morgan brings her compelling writing style and deep understanding to Essential Buddhism: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. This lively book presents a clear, thorough, and objective introduction to the many facets of Buddhist philosophy and faith, including basic beliefs, major texts, practices, and important figures of each branch of the tradition." "The book devotes an entire chapter to the remarkable life of the Buddha, from his amazing conception to his future appearance. It discusses the sophisticated way in which Buddhism intertwines its complex metaphysics and practical ethics through the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, and the doctrine of Dependent Arising, and also devotes detailed attention to such Buddhist basics as the Wheel of Becoming, the mysterious world of Tantra, and the riddles of Zen. Complete with stories, koans, and biography, the book will help readers see how each tradition developed within the larger context of the faith, even as they explore Buddhism's remarkable facility for liberating the mind."--BOOK JACKET.

Indian crucible -- Life of Siddhartha Gautama, the awakened one -- Core teachings (Dharma) of the Buddha -- Foundational Buddhism: Buddhists of the "elder tradition" and others -- Great vehicle: the Mahayana tradition -- Riddle of Zen: what is the sound of one hand clapping? -- Tibetan thunderbolt: Tantrists of the esoteric Vajrayana tradition.