The Vision of the Buddha

The Vision of the Buddha is a splendid illustrated guide to the history and legends of one of the world's great religions, and to the main themes and beliefs in the Buddhist spiritual tradition, both today and in the past. Included are: 200 color photos and illustrations of art, artifacts, architecture, rituals, and practices; an exploration of key concepts, living beliefs, and spiritual and psychological aspects of the subiect, as well as the relevance of Buddhism to contemporary Western culture; vivid retellings of the ancient legends with lucid explanations of the Buddha's teachings; an assessment of the worldwide significance of Buddhism today through an exploration of its place in different cultures throughout history; and an analysis of the important ideas and practices that have entered the spiritual vocabulary of the West. Completing the book is a reference section with a guide to sacred sites, a segment on present-day Buddhist masters, a glossary of terms, and a list of Buddhist organizations for those who wish to explore the subject further.