With both nuance and balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of Buddhism with an arresting layout with rich colors. It offers both historical overviews and modern perspectives on Buddhist beliefs and practices. The user-friendly content is enhanced by charts of religious festivals, historic timelines, updated maps, and a useful glossary.

Part 1 : Understanding religion. What is religion? -- Phenomenology and the study of religion -- The anthropology of religion. Myths and symbols -- The sociology of religion -- The psychology of religion -- Theological approaches to the study of religion -- Critical theory and religion -- Ritual and performance -- Part 2 : Buddhism. A historical overview -- Sacred writings -- Beliefs -- Family and society. The Cao Dai and the Hoa Hoa -- I am a Buddhist -- Buddhism in the modern world -- Gallery -- Rapid fact-finder -- Index -- Picture acknowledgments.