Buddhism History

Over the course of twenty-five centuries, Buddhism spread from its place of origin in northern India to become a global tradition of remarkable breadth, depth, and richness. Donald S. Lopez Jr. draws on the latest scholarship to construct a detailed and innovative history of Buddhism—not just as a chronology through the centuries or as geographic movement, but as a dense matrix of interconnections.

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history. He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

Buddhism! Tibetan Buddhism! Dzogchen! Have you ever wondered what these teachings are all about? Are they understandable to the average individual? Or is it some deep esoteric stuff that only a highly learned scholar can understand? Do you want to know more about these belief systems? Why are they gaining popularity in the modern world? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, you have come to the right place. This audiobook is a beginner's guide to Dzogchen practice, a form of Tibetan Buddhism believed to have existed from primordial times.

In Part One, you will learn the meaning of many new concepts: What is Buddhism, and what are the nine yanas taught by it?

Classic ideas and ancient concepts broken down for the modern age. A non-academic approach to better living and greater happiness. Philosophy doesn’t have to be pointless and boring. If we can cut through the difficult language and roundabout reasoning, we’ll find a treasure trove of knowledge and enlightenment. But don’t worry, this is no textbook.

In this manual, you can learn the history, the philosophy, the schools of thought, the principles, the meditation, the yoga and the benefits that led that common mortal to have a more acute, open and pure thought towards the world around us, of his own inner world and in the relationship with others, and apply it yourself in everyday life. By learning these principles, you will be able to manage in the best way what happens to you and be able to reach, with constancy, that serenity that is so lacking in today's society.

In the West, Buddhism is a religion that everyone has heard of but few truly understand aside from Buddhists themselves. For almost 2,500 years, Buddhism has been dominant on the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism is based on the traditions, beliefs, and practices that came about from the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the Sansrkit word for "the awakened one."

Discover the majestic landscapes, ancient traditions, and the relentless quest for freedom in this captivating journey. Explore the spiritual and everyday life of Tibetan civilization, from the mysterious beginnings of its people to their ongoing struggles under Chinese rule.

Discover the Cradle of Intellectual Thought: From the mystical valleys of the Indus to the imperial courts of Japan, "Eastern Civilization" unravels the vibrant histories of India, China, and Japan. This captivating guide is your window into the ancient worlds that shaped modern thought.